NORTH CONWAY, NH – MaineHealth Memorial Hospital has been recognized for its efforts to support employees affected by substance use disorder, earning designation as a Recovery Friendly Workplace.
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital recently joined the statewide Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative, a program helping employers create supportive environments for workers in recovery or impacted by addiction. Hospital leaders say the designation reflects an ongoing commitment to employee well-being and to the communities they serve.
“Becoming a recovery friendly workplace reflects our commitment to caring for the whole person, both our patients and our care team,” says MaineHealth Memorial Hospital President Tricia Costigan. “In a rural community like ours, the health of our workforce directly impacts the care we provide, and we want our staff to know they are supported.”
Substance use disorder continues to affect communities across northern New Hampshire, where access to health care and recovery services can be more limited than in urban areas. Hospital officials say that makes workplace support especially important.
“We see firsthand how substance use disorder affects individuals and families across our region, says Dr. Jenifer Smith, director of MaineHealth Memorial Hospital’s comprehensive addiction medicine program. “Bringing awareness into our workplace helps reduce stigma and makes it easier to seek help early.”
Launched in New Hampshire in 2018, the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative provides employers with training, tools, and connections to resources that help employees access treatment and sustain recovery. The Granite United Way works with the state to administer the program.
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital Human Resources Director Beth Carpenter says becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace strengthens MaineHealth Memorial Hospital’s culture of support and reduces stigma around substance use disorder, ensuring employees feel safe speaking openly and accessing help.
“Like many rural health care providers, recruiting and retaining staff is a constant challenge,” Carpenter said. “Supporting our employees’ well-being, especially around recovery, helps create a stronger, more stable workforce.”
Dr. Smith also notes that supporting health care workers in recovery can have a ripple effect on patient care. “When health care workers feel supported, it shows in the care they provide. This effort ultimately benefits our patients, because a healthier workforce leads to better outcomes across the board.”
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About MaineHealth Memorial Hospital
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital serving the Mount Washington Valley of northern New Hampshire and western Maine. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital has earned a reputation among local residents and visitors for providing quality, compassionate and personalized care to its patients.
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital includes a robust array of health care services including primary and specialty care services and therapies, emergency care, a birthing center and surgical services. Its care team of 525 includes physicians and advance practice providers who are among the more than 2,000 providers who are part of the MaineHealth Medical Group. Memorial patients have access to onsite care in oncology, cardiology, vascular and pulmonary medicine. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital also partners with several local organizations to provide outreach and educational services supporting the health of our patients and community.
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.” As part of the MaineHealth family, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is able to offer patients a comprehensive network of care that includes world-class specialists, a Level 1 Trauma medical center, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services.