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PARKERSBURG -- Those impacted by substance use disorder will now have better access to sustainable jobs thanks to $500,000 in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission's INSPIRE initiative.
For the next three years, the funds will be used to aid workforce development by putting those affected by substance abuse in contact with people who can help them re-enter the workplace.
"The impact of substance use disorders on the economy in the Mid-Ohio Valley region over the last decade has been huge. These funds can reverse that trend and get people back into the workforce," said Carol Jackson, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council, in a press release.
Funding will help the effort in three different ways: by expanding services to Ohio residents; increasing the number of placements in training and readiness programs; and by educating local businesses on what they can do to help those affected get hired.
These three initiatives are the result of collaborative work with local organizations through the Development District Association of Appalachia's Recovery-to-Work Ecosystem Learning Academy, according to John Leite, Substance Use Disorder director.
"Organizations throughout the region came together to see the impact substance use disorders have on the pool of labor. Through that, we came to these primary areas of focus," Leite said.
In partnership with West Virginia Jobs and Hope, four peer recovery specialists will be hired over the next three years to offer services to Ohio residents; previously, Leite said Jobs and Hope was only available to West Virginia residents.
Funds will also be sent to SW Resources and Corporation for Appalachian Development to offer an additional 150 spots for their training and readiness program.
By engaging with local businesses, the goal is to support individuals impacted by the substance abuse issue and to place them in steady, reliable jobs and for the businesses to "better understand the value of engaging with this labor pool and how it can help reduce their turnover and improve retention rates," Leite said.
Organizations involved in this effort include: The Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council in partnership with Buckeye Hills Regional Council, the SUD Collaborative, SW Resources, Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development, Community Health Improvement Associates, Jobs and Hope WV, Southeastern Ohio Legal Services and the Washington County Behavioral Health Board.
"We recognize the importance of employment in recovery. The more folks we can get in long-term, sustainable jobs, it will hopefully help them succeed in their recovery journey," Leite said.
Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.