“Working together with mental health and substance abuse experts, we have taken a step toward confronting the challenges facing our neighbors and the local economy. It is my sincere hope that what we learn at Belden can be adopted at workplaces around the country.”
Pathways to Employment is a community-based solution blending drug rehabilitation with the promise of employment for workers willing to lead drug-free lives. The first-of-its-kind program was designed to address two key challenges facing the U.S.: the opioid epidemic and the shortage of qualified workers available to critical American industries.
“Belden is grateful for the opportunity to present our program to Mrs. Pence, Secretary Acosta, Dr. Adams and Ms. Conway,” said John Stroup, President, CEO and Chairman of Belden Inc. “Working together with mental health and substance abuse experts, we have taken a step toward confronting the challenges facing our neighbors and the local economy. It is my sincere hope that what we learn at Belden can be adopted at workplaces around the country.”
The White House delegation met with Pathways program participants, toured the manufacturing plant and shared remarks with more than 200 Belden employees, community partners and local dignitaries.
“We commend Belden’s leadership and decision to provide an innovative response to the challenge the Opioid epidemic is having on their business and our community,” said Mrs. Pence. “Instead of turning their back on people battling drug addictions, Belden is coming alongside and providing an opportunity for the employee to get help and recover. This is not only good for the business, but this is also good for the employee’s health and for the community.”
“We have learned a great deal since launching this as a pilot in February,” said Dean McKenna, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Belden Inc. “While it is continually refined and adapted, the core elements have been outlined in the ‘Belden Blueprint.’ We hope this tool will help other businesses impacted by addiction to design and implement similar programs without compromising on the need for a drug-free workforce.”
In recognition of the Pathways to Employment program, Belden is proud to have been identified as a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2018 Corporate Citizen Award.
