Three years ago, Recovery Friendly Hamilton County (RFHC) launched with a simple but powerful mission: to equip local employers with tools and resources to better support employees affected by substance use disorder (SUD). What began in 2022 as a forward-thinking initiative within Hamilton County Public Health has now become a nationally recognized movement. This summer, we proudly celebrate three years of progress, partnerships and purpose.
Over the past three years, RFHC has expanded to include more than 70 designated businesses across Hamilton County. These employers are actively fostering workplace environments that support recovery, reduce stigma and promote the well-being of all employees and their families.
And our designee list keeps getting stronger. Most recently, HCPH welcomed one of the region’s most beloved and influential organizations: the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds join other local industry leaders and RFHC designees like Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, JBM Packaging, Rhinegeist and Gorilla Glue Company, just to name a few.
These organizations, along with many others, are showing that being recovery-friendly is not just good for people, it’s good for business.
RFHC has become a national model for advancing workplace policies that prioritize support and second chances. The program and its champions have:
-won multiple awards, including Promising Practice from NACCHO (National Association of County and City Health Officials), CLIMB Award from the Cincinnati Business Courier and the Workforce Champion from the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio
-inspired the launch of Ohio’s statewide Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative
-mentored organizations in over a dozen states
-represented Hamilton County nationally through the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute
RFHC’s momentum is real, and the mission remains clear: to build workplaces that are not only inclusive of individuals in recovery but also actively support their success. Hamilton County Public Health is incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished with our community partners — and we’re just getting started.
To our partners, advocates and all 71 of our recovery-friendly workplaces: thank you. Your commitment to helping our region’s employees thrive is what drives this initiative forward.
Want to become a Recovery-Friendly Workplace?
Learn more and fill out our interest form on our Recovery Friendly Hamilton County webpage.
