Become a RFW Today!

Engagement Flowchart Step 1: LetterOf Interest Step 2: Orientation Step 3:CompleteTrainings Step 5: BECOMING RFW © Adapted with permission from the State of New Hampshire's Recovery Friendly Workplace Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Submit Letter ofInterest to learnmore about theMI RFW initiative Work 1:1 with adesignatedadvisor to talkthrough businessneeds and receiveRecovery FriendlyWorkplaceorientation. Receivecontinued support and resources. Implementation

Letter of Interest Form

Completing the Letter of Interest (LOI) form is the first step of the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation process. By completing the Letter of Interest, your organization is demonstrating its readiness to meet with a Recovery Friendly Workplace representative and its interest in attaining the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation. Click the button to get started.

Designation Process

Explore the Checklist to learn more about how to become a designated Recovery Friendly Workplace.

Have questions? Contact us!

Please note, because this is a grant funded initiative, there is no cost associated with the process of becoming a designated RFW, the various RFW trainings, or access to a Recovery Friendly Advisor (RFA).

Benefits of Becoming an RFW:

Receive essential knowledge and skills to recognize, address, and support individuals affected by SUD/OUD to foster a more informed and compassionate workplace.

Receive training to ensure legal compliance and create a safer environment, reducing risks and supporting employee well-being.

Receive access to a Recovery Friendly Advisor and connection to local community resources that strengthen your support network for employees in recovery.

Receive Naloxone Safety Box with access to Narcan through MDHHS to equip your workplace with life-saving resources, empowering staff to respond effectively to opioid emergencies and demonstrating proactive commitment to employee safety.

Receive access to Shatterproof Just-Five videos to share with all employees providing engaging, evidence-based educational content that raises awareness and reduces stigma around substance use, supporting a culture of understanding and recovery.

Receive official recognition as a Michigan RFW by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Receive public acknowledgment for your commitment to recovery-friendly practices by having your organization advertised on the Michigan RFW career page and social media platforms (Facebook/LinkedIn).

Receive a distinctive RFW window cling to visibly demonstrate your organization’s dedication to recovery-friendly values, building trust and pride among employees and visitors.

Receive access to an RFW Toolkit which consists of resources designed to equip employers with supportive guidance to build a workplace culture where recovery is respected and employees thrive.

Recovery Friendly Workplaces:

  • FOSTER a safe and recovery friendly environment
  • ENGAGE their employees in addiction & behavioral health education and prevention
  • RETAIN healthy and productive employees
  • PROMOTE prevention and recovery in their local communities

Employer Packet

Frequently Asked Questions

RFW campaign was originally envisioned and developed in New Hampshire and has since grown to include several initiatives across the country including Michigan. An RFW is a business or organization that chooses to go above and beyond in supporting employees by creating a workplace culture that supports people in or seeking recovery from substance use or mental health disorders, as well as those family members, loved ones, and community members impacted.

There is no financial costs associated with becoming RFW designated– only a commitment to positive change. The Michigan RFW program is funded through grants from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.

Businesses and organizations will receive the RFW designation after completing the required components on the Checklist.

The Checklist is a guide with steps that businesses of all sizes will use to become designated as Recovery Friendly. It includes a list of required components that must be completed initially and within a one-year timeframe. In addition, the Checklist includes other optional steps that are recommended, but not required.

Recovery Friendly Advisors (RFAs) are partners at local Recovery Community Organizations, MDHHS, MPHI, and community organizations, whose roles are to be a resource to businesses and organizations that wish to become designated as Recovery Friendly. You will be assigned a RFA through the designation process.

Recovery Friendly is an environment created where people in recovery and those impacted by SUD/OUD can thrive. A Recovery Friendly Workplace shines a light on employee health, wellness, and safety, and demonstrates a commitment to reducing the stigma often associated with addiction.

By becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace, you are supporting your employees and creating a healthier environment for them to work, but also showing customers and community members that your business is a proactive, valued community partner. In addition, workplaces that implement evidence-based health and wellness policies and programs recruit and retain a healthier, more productive, and more motivated workforce.

The Advisory Council is a group of diverse business leaders and content experts who have helped shape this initiative and continue to provide guidance and support to promote Recovery Friendly Workplaces.

Resources will be customized to meet the diverse needs of Michigan workplaces. Resources may include toolkits, materials, and trainings. RFW staff will ensure workplaces are well connected to the most current prevention, treatment, and recovery related resources to best support their employees.

Let’s Make A Difference

Ready to get started? Fill out this quick form.

Get notified of the latest updates: