Within a one-week period this month, two outstanding programs illustrated the depth of ongoing education opportunities available from the Wellness Council of Indiana (WCI) and the Indiana Workforce Recovery initiative.
First, themes for the 2020 Indiana Wellness Summit included the growing and important emphasis on mental health, engagement in these changing times and the need for empathy. In describing the role of the wellness professional, keynote speaker Chris Heeter noted, “Now is our time. We have to adapt and listen but resist the urge to fix people.”
Jennifer Pferrer, executive director of WCI, says empathy consultant Liesel Mertes delivered a powerful message, building on the importance of listening and responding, even when it is difficult. “Saying nothing is the wrong approach,” she emphasizes.
Social determinants were also part of the discussion. Where people live and play impacts them when they show up to work every day. The example was provided of a 14-year difference in life expectancy for a person residing in the urban areas of Marion County compared to someone living in northern Hamilton County.
On September 16, the inaugural Indiana Employer Opioid Summit featured the significance of trauma at any age and the impact it can have as a gateway to opioid and other drug use. Mike Thibideau, director of Indiana Workforce Recovery, shares that is a common topic in the recovery community but one that was likely new for many job providers.
Employers do not have to have all the answers to assist their employees. What they can do is build partnerships, connections and relationships that will allow them to provide resources to those in need.
Doug Huntsinger – Indiana’s executive director for drug prevention, treatment and enforcement – reiterated that there has been a 79% increase in emergency room overdose admissions in 2020 compared to a year ago. On the positive side, beds available for drug treatment have increased 150% since Gov. Eric Holcomb took office.
Inspirational recovery stories, both local and national, were part of the program. You can listen to this IN Chamber podcast with keynote speaker Brian Cuban to experience his journey.
Engagement with WCI and the Indiana Workforce Recovery initiative provides a variety of year-round benefits. Learn more on how you can assist your employees. Access on-demand (registration is available) programming for the Wellness Summit and Indiana Employer Opioid Summit (coming soon) until December 31.
