PBS Reno earns designation of Nevada Recovery Friendly Workplace

PBS Reno has earned the designation of a Nevada Recovery Friendly Workplace. The Nevada Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative (RFWI) is an effort led by Foundation for Recovery, in collaboration with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, and supported by Nevada’s executive office.

“The health of our staff is a top concern within our organization,” said Brynne Kenney, PBS Reno Vice President of Administration. “Addiction and mental health touch so many lives and we acknowledge the associated stigma that often presents itself. At PBS Reno, we want to eliminate the stigma by not remaining silent and by supporting any employee whose life or family has been affected by addiction or mental health.”

The purpose of the initiative is to promote individual wellness by creating work environments that further the mental and physical well-being of employees; proactively preventing substance misuse, and celebrating recovery from addiction in the workplace and the community. The RFWI challenges the stigma of addiction and mental health, and aims to save lives and strengthen families.

“For years I was quiet about my recovery status, frankly I was ashamed,” said Sean O’Donnell, Executive Director of Foundation for Recovery. “We celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, why not this? The sooner recovery can get out of the church basement and into our workplace, the sooner we’ll be able to start really making an impact on the stigma associated with mental health and addiction. This will be a game-changer. What business doesn’t want to be recognized for supporting their employees and helping to address one of our nation’s largest public health crises?”