Together Arkansas initiative relaunches to empower drug-free workplaces

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is helping to create healthier workplaces with the relaunch of Together Arkansas. 

The program, an initiative of the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP), provides free, easy-to-use resources and tools to Arkansas employers to facilitate a drug-free workforce.

“The opioid epidemic continues to be one of the biggest threats to people’s lives and health, their families and loved ones, humanity overall, and it weighs heavily on business and our economy today,” said Curtis Barnett, Arkansas Blue Cross president and CEO. “Progress has been made in our state through all of us working together, but providing Arkansas employers with tools to address a problem as pervasive as opioid-use disorder is as important as ever. Helping employees in the workplace break the bonds of addiction to get and stay healthy keeps them creative, innovative and productive. And that makes Arkansans and this state strong.”

Originally established by Arkansas Blue Cross and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, Together Arkansas is now spearheaded by ARORP, which administers the cities’ and counties’ portion of the national opioid settlement funds. The group celebrated its official website relaunch during a ceremony at Arkansas Blue Cross.

With new online modules and business toolkits, Together Arkansas will help businesses across Arkansas meet the challenges of the opioid crisis and build a safer workplace.

“Together Arkansas is an excellent resource that will reshape how employers across the state realize and approach substance misuse, recovery and support,” said Kirk Lane, ARORP director. “We’re proud to be a contributing player and deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Arkansas State Chamber to relaunch this initiative and defeat the opioid epidemic.”