ARTICLE
Local business leaders met Wednesday to discuss how to deal with the opioid epidemic in their own businesses. "It's a crisis in our community and so many people just don't realize how truly prevalent it is because they don't see it," said Larry Wiersch, a former paramedic and the CEO of the Cetronia Ambulance Corps. In 2016 alone, there were 2,235 opioid-related overdose deaths in Pennsylvania, which is why The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted a healthcare summit aimed at helping businesses combat drug addiction in their own offices. "There's probably more business events out there than most people understand," said Wiersch. "It's very possible they'll be using a substance without you really knowing it until you find them in the restroom with a needle hanging out of their arm." The event included a panel discussion and speeches focused on all the aspects of dealing with this epidemic. "Part of it is, you're looking at productivity, their conduct, seeing how their work processes are going," said Stephen Bacak with SCP Paychex. "And if there is an issue, that's where you go to the resources you have - your benefits package - and look at them and get them the help that they need." "Mental illness and addiction are not diseases that deserve shame or scorn," said Representative Mike Schlossberg. "First, educate them that you are a drug-free workplace, that you have a plan in place, hopefully everybody is doing some randomized testing," said Wiersch. "I think every business should have Narcan on hand." Being prepared for the unexpected is key. "As our community grows and we start to get more and more employees in the valley, it's more and more likely that were going to have those employees that will have an issue," said Wiersch. To read the article, click here.