Prescription Drugs in the Workplace Conference(Registration Closed)





Opioids...Silent Killer in the Workplace
A one-day conference sharing all you need to know about prescription drugs in the workplace
*Nearly 21 million Americans are living with substance use disorder, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. That's more than the total number of people living with of cancer and more than the population of the state of New York. Three-quarters of those struggling with addiction to alcohol, pain medication, marijuana and other substances are employed. Workers with substance use disorders miss nearly 50% more work days than their peers - up to six weeks annually - and absenteeism leads to losses in productivity.

This one-day conference will share all the info you need to know about prescriptions drugs in the workplace, from a personal level to what is being done at all levels in the government.  Attendees will receive tools to take back to their facility that will help avoid issues before they happen, identify those at risk, identify suspicious behaviors and how to help people who may have developed a substance abuse disorder.

*Resource: National Safety Council


AGENDA: (Download PDF)
  • 8:30 am - Registration Open
  • 9:00 - 10:00 am - What are the Consequences of Opioid Abuse and Why Should We Care?
    Rex Butler - Manager, Environmental & Safety - Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) - Des Moines, IA
    During this session Rex will share personal anecdotes to help humanize the problem for attendees and discuss the good and bad repercussions of advocating for legislation and medical practices designed to curb non-fatal and fatal overdoses. This presentation will be thought-provoking and will help explain why every person in the room needs to be concerned about the abuse of opioids.
  • 10:00 - 11:00 am - Opioids in the Workplace, How Did We Get Here and What is Being Done?
    Kevin W. Techau - Attorney - Smith, Mills & Schrock Law - Cedar Rapids, IA
    This session by a former United States Attorney with front-line perspective and experience with workplace related opioid issues will examine the origin and impact of the opioid crisis in Iowa; across the country and in the workplace. An overview of where things stand in 2018 and details on what is being done at all levels of government to address opioid abuse issues will be given.
  • 11:00 am - Break
  • 11:15 am - 12:15 pm - Drug Abuse in Iowa: Evolving Threats, Impacts and Responses
    Dale R. Woolery - Acting Director - Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy - Des Moines, IA
    Even as Iowa is reported to have the nation’s lowest rate of illicit drug use...overdose deaths in the State are rising as part of the U.S. opioid epidemic, methamphetamine has a stronger presence than ever, and changes in marijuana potency and policy are at the center of continued debate. Data show recent developments involving addictive substances are affecting Iowans at home, in the community, and on the job. Strategies are also changing to address these and other emerging trends in Iowa, to reduce drug abuse and related risks.
  • 12:15 - 12:45 pm - Lunch
  • 12:45 - 1:45 pm - Employer/Employee Considerations Regarding Possible Addiction
    Kim Brangoccio, LMFT, IAADC, CEAP - Manager Powell Chemical Dependency and Employee Assistance Program - Iowa Lutheran Hospital UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, IA
    In this session Kim will discuss the differences between opioid dependence vs. addiction, the characteristics of each, and the importance of the correct diagnosis. Kim will also discuss traditional and medication-assisted treatments and pros and cons of each. Additionally this session will help you identify at Risk Employees by looking at Work Performance, Depression/Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Absenteeism, and changes in behaviors, relationships, and interactions. Finally, Kim will discuss the P.M.P., Prescription Monitoring Program, what it is, and how it helps physicians and prescribers. The session will end by talking about Employee Assistance Programs, and Treatment Programs.
  • 1:45 - 2:00 pm - Break
  • 2:00 - 3:00 pm - What a Drug-Free Workplace Means to Employers
    Cherrie Spurlin - Member Relations Manager - MRA - Moline, IL
    Hilary Cole - Chemical Dependency Counselor - UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s - Cedar Rapids, IA
    Cherrie and Hilary will discuss the policies, procedures and training you need to make sure your company is complaint with Iowa and DOT drug testing regulations. They will discuss what employers should know when investigating drug use in the workplace in relation to workers compensation claim, FMLA and protected classes. They will help you gain an understanding of third party involvement in the process and how you can internally manage a drug-free workplace program. Their real life examples and statistics show the impact and risk opioids and drugs bring to a company. This information will help guide you through developing and sustaining a drug-free workplace program. 
  • 3:00 pm - Closing comments

Location

DuPont Pioneer Auditorium
7000 NW 62nd Ave
Johnston , IA 50131

Date & Time

Person(s) to Register