Recovery Friendly Workplace

MyCare Health Center’s Journey to Becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace

MyCare Health Center has made a significant commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for staff, particularly those in recovery. As a provider of health, dental, behavioral health, Medication Assisted Treatment, and Substance Use Disorder services, the organization saw the Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative as a natural extension of its mission. By becoming an RFW, MyCare Health Center is able to offer meaningful employment opportunities to individuals in recovery, aligning with its core values and community goals.

“At MyCare Health Center, becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) was important to us because we want to ensure that we have a supportive and inclusive work environment for staff that may be in recovery. In addition to health, dental, and behavioral health services, MyCare provides Medication Assisted Treatment and Substance Use Disorder treatment services to the community. The RFW initiative aligns extremely well with our mission and was a logical next step for us to provide employment opportunities to community members in recovery.” Tina Sharp, Chief Human Resources Officer

The Path to RFW: Staff Engagement and Training

The transition to an RFW was more than a policy change for MyCare Health Center—it was an opportunity to engage the entire team. The organization prioritized training on Substance Use Disorder and the stigma often faced by those in recovery. Many staff members participated in these sessions, recognizing the benefits for both themselves and the workplace. Although the process required time and effort, the investment in education and awareness proved invaluable.

Impact on the Workplace

Since adopting the RFW model, MyCare Health Center has made a conscious effort to maintain a welcoming environment for those in recovery. The organization has also expanded its outreach, partnering with groups that support health professionals in recovery. This ensures that job postings reach individuals who can benefit most from an inclusive approach, strengthening workplace culture and broadening the talent pool.

Advice for Other Organizations

MyCare Health Center encourages other organizations to consider becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace, emphasizing that the journey is both manageable and rewarding. The program offers excellent training resources, and the steps are accessible for organizations of any size. Most importantly, it helps ensure that workplaces are truly inclusive for those in recovery.