WHITE HOUSE DRUG POLICY DIRECTOR TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE WORKPLACE INITIATIVES
KEYNOTE ADDRESS OPEN TO THE PRESS, 9:30 A.M., THURSDAY, JUNE 14TH, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, LAS VEGAS
(Washington, D.C.)—Edward H. Jurith, Acting Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy will be in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, June 14th to promote drug-free workplace programs during his keynote address to the annual meeting of the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (SAPAA). The Speech will take place on Thursday, June 14th at 9:30 a.m. in the Acacia Room of the Las Vegas Four Seasons Hotel, 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. The address will be open to the press.
Jurith said, "Prevention in the workplace is a proven anti-drug strategy. Clear and consistent messages about the danger and consequences of drug abuse are crucial. Employer referrals to treatment and support of employees who want to change their behavior can improve productivity, save lives, and strengthen our communities."
SAPAA promotes standards of quality, integrity, and professionalism for providers of products and services related to the administration of substance abuse and drug testing programs in the workplace. SAPAA monitors state and federal legislation, legal developments, and regulatory issues for its members.
The workplace provides an ideal opportunity to influence individual behavior and community norms. According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, more than 77% of current illicit drug users aged 18 and older are employed full or part-time (more than 9.4 million workers). Drug use accounts for an estimated annual cost of $14 billion in decreased productivity. Drug-free workplace programs have demonstrated a sharp decline in drug use, work-related accidents, absenteeism, health care expenses, and worker compensation costs.
For more information, visit http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov
