The Caring Workplaces of First Tennessee Development District would like to congratulate Watauga Brewing Company for becoming the first gold certified Caring Workplace in Northeast TN. Watauga Brewing Company not only successfully completed the basic requirements for certification but went on to complete a number of optional“recovery friendly criteria ”to earn this highest level of certification. Watauga Brewinghas demonstrated their commitment to become a Caring Workplace establishment by doing such things as creating a “spirit free” drink menu, attending additional trainings on topics such as Narcan and stigma reduction, and participating in recovery-friendly community events such as the recent Recovery Housing Summit hosted by the Caring Workplaces Initiative. But most impressive, was their desire to create a recovery task force specifically targeted to help bring recovery resources to employees working within the food and beverage industry. Statistics show that this sector of work has the highest level of employee substance misuse and Watauga Brewing Co. wanted to be part of the solution. They now host Smart Recovery classes on their rooftop, one day a week and in doing so, have created a safe space for employees of this industry, to gather and seek help. Mina McVeigh , Addiction Specialist at ETSU’s Addiction Fellowship and a member of the family of owners at Watauga Brewing Company says ”Watauga Brewing Company is so proud to be a regional leader in the Caring Workplaces Initiative. As a Caring Workplace, our staff are not only trained in compassionate care for fellow employees but set the intention to hire individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder or with previous justice involvement.”Way to go Watauga Brewing Company!
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