Lincoln, NE – In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an estimated one in 13 employees struggles with addiction.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) launched the Nebraska Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Initiative aimed at reducing stigma related to mental health and substance use among coworkers and building Nebraska businesses with improved access to behavioral health education.
The RFW Initiative launched in March 2025, providing Nebraska businesses with free training on mental health, substance use, and guidance on discussing sensitive topics. The American Psychological Association (APA) reported in the 2021 Work and Well-being Survey that 87% of employees believe actions by their employer influence their road to recovery and ability to stay in recovery. The RFW Initiative also offers an organization policy review and recommendations to repair or prevent unhealthy workplace environments.
Certification includes three training sessions, an annual continuing education session, policy review, employee handbook review, employee survey, and access to mental health first aid resources. In return, businesses receive staff correspondence templates, monthly communications, resource guides, visibility, and recommendations for actionable change. The impact on employees and management can include increased workplace satisfaction, sense of belonging, productivity, performance, innovation, fulfillment, and talent retention.
“Daily, we invest a majority of our time, energy, and talents in our work. DHHS created the RFW Initiative with the goal of educating businesses on building a supportive environment where individuals challenged by mental health or substance use can continue to spend their lives how they spend their days – in recovery. It takes a community wrapping meaningful support around an individual in recovery to keep them living their best life,” said Dr. Thomas Janousek, Director of DBH. “We are grateful for the four businesses that have chosen to enhance the well-being of all their employees. Oftentimes, we do not even realize how much of a force for positive change we can be just by how we interact with our coworkers.”
As the new year approaches, DHHS encourages businesses to consider RFW certification as a goal in 2026. RFW advisors are ready to work with organizations of any size. Interested businesses can contact or call (402) 471-8230. More information can be found at dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Recovery-Friendly-Workplace-Initiative.aspx
For behavioral health assistance, please reach out to:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via call, text, or webchat.
Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. (888) 866-8660.
Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258.
Local Regional Behavioral Health Authority