Biehl Bridges to Recovery “Advancing Health Equity through Economic Stabilization within the Recovery Community”

At a Glance

Marinette County (MC) is ranked among the least healthy counties in Wisconsin. The opioid-related hospital admission rate is higher in MC than the Northeast Wisconsin regional rate. Individuals with substance use disorders who are in recovery often have difficulty obtaining and maintaining employment due to gaps in work history, education, and lack of structure and support. This project aims to support individuals in recovery, as well as their employers, by connecting individuals with sustainable employment.

The Challenge

Marinette County (MC) is ranked among the least healthy counties in Wisconsin. MC is in the top ten Wisconsin counties for drunk driving deaths. Further, this county has an opioid death rate of 14.6 per 100,000 individuals, and the opioid-related hospital admission rate is higher than the Northeast Wisconsin regional rate. Individuals in recovery make up a significant portion of the population, and they experience health inequities. Individuals with substance use disorders who are in recovery often have difficulty obtaining and maintaining employment due to gaps in work history, education, and lack of structure and support.

Project Goals

This project aims to support individuals in recovery, as well as their employers, by connecting individuals with sustainable employment. This project will make progress toward this aim through five specific goals. First, training and technical assistance will be provided to workplaces on the topics of recovery. Second, workplaces will be connected with formal and informal support. Third, the project team will help support recovery for the workforce. Fourth, those impacted by substance use disorders will be provided with mechanisms for community support. And fifth, recovery support and resource mobilization will be provided to individuals served.