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[Cut and paste this
press release onto your organization’s letterhead and customize it as
necessary. Send to your local media the week before Drug-Free Work
Week]
MEDIA
CONTACT:
[Name of Communications Contact at Your Organization]
[E-mail Address]
[Phone
Number]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Name of Your
Organization] Joins Broad Coalition to
Observe Drug-Free Work Week 2008
Nationwide campaign will take place October 20 through 26
(City, State) —
Date — [Name of your
organization] today announced its involvement in National
Drug-Free Work Week, a U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored event that
will take place October 20 through 26, 2008. The purpose of
Drug-Free Work Week is to educate employers, employees and the
general public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential
component of a safe and healthful workplace. Now in its third year, the
annual campaign is a collaborative effort between the Labor Department,
members of its Drug-Free Workplace Alliance and other public and
private-sector organizations devoted safe and healthy workplaces.
However, all employers and employees are encouraged to participate.
Throughout Drug-Free Work Week,
[name of your organization] will
conduct various activities to help employers, supervisors and workers
understand how to implement effective drug-free workplace programs that
focus on detection and deterrence while also offering assistance and
support for workers who may have problems with alcohol or drugs.
The themes of Drug-Free Work Week have
widespread relevance, according to a survey conducted by the Hazelden
Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that helps people reclaim
their lives from the disease of addiction. The Hazelden research found
that while most human resources practitioners recognize substance abuse
and addiction as among the most serious problems faced in today's
workplace, few companies proactively address these issues with their
employees.
“Drug-Free Work Week is a perfect time to
remind employers and employees alike that reducing workplace alcohol and
drug abuse is a crucial part of keeping workers safe,” said Elena Carr,
drug policy coordinator at the Labor Department. “Of course, in a safe
and healthful workplace, every week should be Drug-Free Work Week.”
In observance of Drug-Free Work Week 2008,
[name of your organization] will
be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its
[employees/supervisors/members]
on the merits of a drug-free workplace. These efforts include
[insert examples of planned activities].
“[Your
organization’s name] is proud to be a part of this year’s
National Drug-Free Work Week,” said
[spokesperson]. “We want to
spread the message that ‘working drug free works,’ and to highlight the
benefits that drug-free workplace programs bring to employers, workers
and communities.”
Employers and employees in all industries can learn
more about how to participate in Drug-Free Work Week and ways
they can promote drug-free workplace messages — during the campaign and
throughout the year — by visiting the Labor Department's Working
Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace Web site at
www.dol.gov/workingpartners.
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