New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has been appointed as the honorary chairman of The Recovery Friendly Workplace National Institute, according to an announcement made by the White House on Thursday. The institute aims to provide training and resources for companies that are willing to hire and support individuals in recovery for substance use disorder. Governor Sununu will also lead the institute's advisory board.

The announcement was made as part of the White House's efforts to assist states and businesses in expanding employment opportunities for those in recovery. The initiatives include the development of a toolkit for businesses and model legislation for state legislatures that are interested in establishing tax credits, grants, and other incentives for employers to become certified as recover-ready workplaces.

Governor Sununu's appointment was a result of the success of a program he launched in March 2018. The program started with 12 employers, including major companies like Walmart and the state of New Hampshire. Since then, approximately 350 businesses employing nearly 100,000 people have joined the program.

The program was inspired by Governor Sununu's personal experience managing a ski area owned by his family. He often faced challenges in retaining workers due to the state's opioid crisis. In an effort to find a solution, he realized that being part of a healthier pathway for his employees' recovery was the best approach. This not only allowed him to retain them as employees but also enabled them to get better and feel empowered to face their struggles.

The success of Governor Sununu's program demonstrates the growing recognition of the importance of supporting individuals in recovery and creating a recovery-friendly work environment. By joining the nationwide program, companies are not only contributing to the well-being of their employees but also making a positive impact on the broader community.

The establishment of The Recovery Friendly Workplace National Institute under Governor Sununu's leadership is expected to provide a centralized platform for training and resources. This will help companies across the country learn best practices for supporting individuals in recovery and create a network of recover-ready workplaces.

With approximately 350 businesses already on board, the program's impact is significant. By employing nearly 100,000 people, these companies are leading the way in creating inclusive and supportive work environments. The nationwide program has the potential to be a game-changer in addressing the challenges faced by those in recovery from substance use disorder.

As the honorary chairman of The Recovery Friendly Workplace National Institute, Governor Sununu's leadership will be instrumental in guiding the institute's efforts. By leveraging his experience and expertise, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of recovery-friendly workplaces nationwide.

Through this initiative, Governor Sununu and the White House aim to not only provide employment opportunities for individuals in recovery but also break down the stigma associated with substance use disorder. By highlighting the success stories of employees in recovery and showcasing the positive impact of recovery-friendly workplaces, they hope to inspire more businesses to join the program and contribute to the overall well-being of their employees and communities.