10TV: State program would help those in recovery maintain employment

Via WBNS 10TV

For the last five years, Stacy Gibson says he has focused on maintaining his sobriety and he says going to work has helped keep him on the right path.

“I was hoping to die from drugs,” Gibson said.

“I was hoping to do enough so that I wouldn’t wake up anymore and that didn’t happen.”

Stacy Gibson said at his lowest point he would do anything to feed his addictions, but in 2013 decided to check himself into a drug rehabilitation center.

After spending 57 days in rehab, Gibson transitioned to a sober living house and from there began working construction.

The routine of waking up and doing something that so many take for granted gave his life purpose.

“The job that I pick is hard, but it still gives me the sense of pride that I can do a job, that I can show up every day I can be productive I can make an honest living.”

Making an ‘honest living,’ a crucial component of maintaining sobriety, is what the bureau of workers compensation is hoping to provide for many more throughout the state of Ohio.

The state agency has secured a $2.5 million grant to launch a pilot program. The program would provide grant money for businesses to support the employment of those in recovery.

The Opioid Workplace Safety Program would provide:

• Reimbursement for pre-employment, random and reasonable suspicion drug testing;
• Training for managers to help them better manage a workforce for those in recovery;
• Offer forums for “second-chance” employers to share success stories that will encourage others to hire workers in recovery.

The program is slated to begin a pilot program in mid-October beginning with Ross, Scioto and Montgomery counties.

“I think people in recovery are some of the hardest working there is because we have gratitude we don’t feel owed someone even gave us a chance,” Gibson said.