In 2022, it was reported that over 100,000 lives were claimed by drug-related causes. In 2018 a report released by the Utah State Legislature showed that per 100,000 people, Carbon and Emery Counties ranked the highest in the state, with Carbon also leading the way in opioid prescriptions filled by retail pharmacies per 100 people.

All of this has led to an epidemic of addiction within the Castle Country Area, but programs are looking to fight this problem. Groups like USARA, the Southeastern Utah Health Department and Circles aim to aid recovery efforts and bring awareness to this crisis. A new program has joined the fray as well, with the Recovery Positive Work Environment program aiming to help those in recovery find gainful employment.

Castle Country Radio sat down with program creator Mike Schade to get a more in-depth look at what the program aims to accomplish.

Firstly, Schade described the genesis of the program,” When I first joined Drug Court, I knew I had a project to do and so I thought about it for a long time and I focused on what my struggles were, and that would have been employment. So I thought about it for a while on how to breakdown that stigma that rehabilitated people and addicts face.” He continued,” If I could bridge that gap between people with addiction and employment, I want to do that.”

Schade then took the time to discuss the success he’s been seeing in getting businesses to participate in the program,” I believe I’ve gotten 33 businesses that have jumped on board with it. I’m not looking for any special privileges for these employees.” Schade went on,” Just the fact that they have a lot of requirements in drug court and if the employers understand this, it may help the employees gain a sense of something to do. When I finally got a job with an employer that was willing to work around my drug court schedule, it helped me tremendously.”

One aspect that stands out regarding this program is the mantra of,” It’s a hand up, not a handout,” which Schade explained in more detail,” If we’re going to help the crisis of addiction in Carbon County and Emery County if we can pull somebody up just one step, it may make all the difference in the world.”

For businesses who want to participate in this program, you can reach out to Schade with your interest or questions at mikeschade90w@gmail.com. Be a part of aiding those in need through the Recovery Positive Work Environment Program.