Workforce Solutions: Welcoming the Recovery Community into the Workplace
In this session of Eggs and Issues, we will examine the negative effects substance use disorder has had on our state and how creating recovery-ready workplaces can not only increase our workforce but assist in the recovery process. Experts at the local and state level will be joined by community advocates and an individual in recovery to discuss what substance use disorder is, its causes, the effect the criminalization of drugs has had, and what it really means to join the workforce with the stigma of being in recovery.
Registrations required! No walk-ins at this time, please.
PLEASE NOTE: We are also offering a VIRTUAL option for those who feel more comfortable attending from home. You will receive the link to watch LIVE when you register.
SCHEDULE: 7:00 AM EDT: In-person check-in and coffee at Holiday Inn 7:30 AM EDT: In-person breakfast at Holiday Inn 8:00 AM EDT: In-person AND virtual program begins
MODERATOR
Jonathan Sahrbeck, DA
Cumberland County District Attorney Jonathan Sahrbeck was born and raised in Cumberland County. Before being elected District Attorney in 2018, DA Sahrbeck had an extensive prosecution career in both Maine and Massachusetts. He has called for more prevention and education to fight the opioid epidemic and substance use disorder, a renewed emphasis on stopping domestic violence, elder and child abuse and human trafficking, while also taking a closer look at new programs to help victims, reduce defendant recidivism, and increase diversion from the criminal justice system. DA Sahrbeck is passionate about working with community partners on addressing mental health issues and substance use disorder, and educating the public about the effects of adverse childhood experiences and trauma.
PANELISTS
Gordon H. Smith, Esq. - Director of Opioid Response, Gov. Mills Office
Gordon H. Smith, Esq. was appointed by Governor Janet Mills as Director of Opioid Response in January 2019. He is responsible for coordinating and directing Maine’s response to the opioid crisis, including prescriber education and reduction of opioid prescribing, prevention and treatment of substance use disorder, and harm reduction strategies. He stepped down as the Executive Vice President (EVP) of the Maine Medical Association in January 2019, where he had served as its EVP since September 1993 and where he began as General Counsel in 1981. He graduated from the University of Maine with the highest distinction in 1973 and from the Boston College Law School, magna cum laude, in 1976. He is a past Chairman of the American Society of State Medical Association Counsel, a nation-wide group of 140 attorneys representing medical associations. Mr. Smith has also served as Chairman of the American Medical Association/State Medical Society Litigation Center, the Maine Health Data Organization, and the Advocacy Resource Center of the American Medical Association. He is a former board member and chair of Quality Counts, a former board member of the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership, and the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Mr. Smith is a frequent lecturer to medical groups on various medical and legal subjects.
Margo Walsh, President/Founder - MaineWorks
Margo Walsh grew up in Cumberland Foreside, Maine, and attended Waynflete School and received a BA in Psychology from Wheaton College. Margo has over 25 years of experience in recruiting, staffing, and employee development, specifically in recruiting for diversity. Since founding MaineWorks in 2011, Margo has been recognized as an SBA Small Businessperson of the year and a SCORE Outstanding Job Creator. In 2019, she was invited to attend the State of the Union address as Senator Angus King’s guest. MaineWorks is working at the state and national level to transform employment for people who struggle. Margo has been selected by Spurwink as Humanitarian of the year 2022.
MaineWorks is a social staffing company with a mission: to dignify transitional employment for people in recovery from substance use disorder, reentering from jail and prison, and new Americans. MaineWorks provides jobs in industrial construction, carpentry, masonry, highway, bridge, and road construction. In 2017, Margo and her sister Elaine Walsh Carney founded Maine Recovery Fund. Maine Recovery Fund exists to support the needs of people in workforce reentry. Margo credits the MaineWorks staff for their endless commitment to creating economic viability in tandem with Maine Recovery Fund Board and staff.
MaineWorks was the first certified B-Corporation in Maine. Margo advocated for B-Corp legislation to be passed in collaboration with the Associated General Contractors of Maine. B-Corps are using business to address social and environmental issues.
Brittany Reichmann, Program Manager - Maine Association of Recovery Residences.
Brittany is a life-long Maine resident and a person in long-term recovery. For over a decade she made recovery attempts that included relapse and involvement with the criminal justice system. She is extremely passionate about the voices and opportunities of individuals with substance use disorder and those now in recovery, largely in part because of her own experience.
Brittany currently is the Program Manager for the Maine Association of Recovery Residences. Aside from being a dedicated employee, Brittany is an active community member, a recovery ally, a volunteer, a wife, and a new mother.
She believes the more we gather and talk and share information about addiction and recovery, the less people have to assume and wonder. Sharing her experience in an effort to decrease stigma is one of her greatest passions.
**SAFETY PRECAUTIONS** NOTE: Because the health and safety of our members and attendees is our number one priority, we are tracking COVID-19 closely and will adjust safety precautions accordingly over the next few weeks.
We are limiting the number of attendees to this in-person event (registration is required). Holiday Inn has confirmed the filtration system is hospital grade, that coffee will be full-serve, and there will only be 5 people seated per table, spread out across the ballroom.
CALL FOR PRESENTERS! The Chamber is currently accepting pitches for our upcoming 2021-22 events season! If you or your organization has a useful practice or informative presentation that our business community could benefit from, please fill out the Eggs & Issues presenter proposal form HERE or contact the Chamber directly with any questions.
Thank you to our presenting sponsors: Bank of America and Martin's Point HealthCare! To see a complete list of our sponsors, visit our Eggs & Issues page.
*In-person registration includes breakfast, parking, and networking. At this time we are requiring pre-registration to help us track attendance. FREE event parking is located in the parking garage adjacent to the Holiday Inn By the Bay.*
Please note: By attending a Chamber or Member-hosted event, you acknowledge that your photograph may be taken and could be used in marketing and promotional materials for the Portland Regional Chamber and its Community Chambers.
If you do not want your photograph taken, please speak to a Chamber staff or board member before, during, or after the event.
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