National Tour Focused on Opioids in Workplace Has Stop in Battle Creek
Julie Bitely
| 2 min read
Substance use disorder affects nearly 21 million Americans nationwide, with nearly 75% of affected individuals in the workforce. The estimated yearly economic impact of this growing trend is more than $442 billion dollars. As part of its Sharing Solutions initiative, the United State Chamber of Commerce Foundation is traveling around the country to discuss how the business community can play a critical role in combating the opioid crisis in both the workplace and community at large. Their next stop will be hosted by the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce. What: Sharing Solutions Michigan: Opioids and the Workforce When: Tuesday, July 30 | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Where: W. K. Kellogg Auditorium, 50 West Van Buren St., Battle Creek Local and national employers, substance use disorder experts and community leaders will come together for a morning of thoughtful conversation on best practices to combat the opioid crisis. “In Michigan, like many other places in the United States, opioids continue to harm our workers, neighbors, and families,” said Kara Beer, president, Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce. “As business leaders, we have an obligation to our community to implement effective solutions. This tour gives all of us the opportunity to share insights to empower more businesses to join the fight against opioid misuse.” Featured speakers at the July 30 event include:
- Dr. Duane DiFranco, vice president, Medicare Stars and Clinical Performance at Emergent Holdings, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Kathryn Traver, vice president, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- Anton Bizzell, fellow, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- Susan Lorenz-Fisher, senior director, Corporate Citizenship, AmerisourceBergen Foundation
- Kristi Angelo, retired trooper, Michigan State Police
- Meghan Taft, community outreach coordinator, Summit Pointe
The Sharing Solutions initiative launched in March with an online resource hub and the announcement of the national tour. Learn more here and register for the Battle Creek event here. If you found this post helpful, read these:
- CLIMB Opioid Treatment Program Shows Promise
- New Form Lets Patients Refuse Opioids
- You Have Options When it Comes to Opioids
Photo credit: Morsa Images
