Don’t wait to get help

We don’t often speak openly about substance use in the workplace because there is a belief that personal and work life should remain separate. However, according to a report by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, substance use problems are a leading cause of performance issues and impairment in the workplace. Do you know someone who is struggling with substances? Reach out to them; we all need to care for one another to ensure we can continue providing the best care and services to our patients and clients.

There is help at hand

If you think you or someone you know may have a substance use problem that is affecting your job performance, there is confidential help available. VCH offers these safe and confidential support options for staff:

1. Your WorkAbility Advisor

2. Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – A voluntary program that offers free, confidential and short-term counseling services. Counseling services are easy to access and offered in a number of ways, all you have to do is:
Call EFAP at 604-872-4929 or toll-free: 1-800-505-4929, or email at help@efap.ca

3. Talk to your union shop steward

What is substance use?

‘Substance’ means a psychoactive agent which may impair health or safety including but not limited to alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription psychoactive medicine, inhalants, steroids, or other substances. Using these substances may negatively change or affect the way a person thinks, feels, or acts. Substances of concern to VCH are those that affect an individual’s potential or ability to perform their job safely and productively.

A new substance use policy

The new  VCH Substance Use Policy aims to start the conversation, reduce workplace safety issues and support employees who are struggling with substance use. The policy:

• Applies to all VCH staff, including employees, residents, physicians, volunteers, students, contractors and all others who carry out business or are working on the premises of a VCH owned or leased site.
• Confirms VCH’s no tolerance policy for substance use that affects job performance, behaviors, safety, and/or attendance.
• Supports regular employees who are struggling with substances to access evidence-based addiction treatment and early intervention programs before their job performance is impacted.
• Recognizes that early intervention programs improve the probability of lasting recovery and that substance dependency is a treatable disease.

Printer-friendly copy of the policy [PDF]