Washoe County designated Nevada’s first recovery-friendly county workplace; staff training planned

Washoe County was publicly recognized Oct. 14 as one of the first county governments in the country — and the first in Nevada — to receive a “Recovery Friendly Workplace” designation from the Foundation for Recovery and state partners.

Jonathan Lamson, an advisor with Nevada’s recovery-friendly workplace initiative, presented the designation and described the program as a “permission structure” that signals to employees they can seek help for substance use or mental-health challenges without fear of judgment. Lamson said the goal is to reduce deaths and strengthen families by encouraging employees to use available benefits and supports.

Interim County Manager Kate Thomas and other county leaders said Washoe County has already circulated an employee declaration letter and plans to host trainings for supervisors and staff on how to support employees in recovery. County officials characterized the move as part of a broader strategy to retain an essential workforce and reduce avoidable harm.

Commissioners and outreach partners praised the designation as a proactive step to address substance use, mental health and workforce resilience at a large county employer. Chair Hill noted the program required workshops and a commitment from county leadership; Thomas said the county would schedule trainings and continue collaborating with the Foundation for Recovery and state behavioral-health partners.

The recognition does not alter employee policies automatically; county managers said the designation is a public commitment and will be followed by education and internal processes so employees know where to seek confidential help and what protections are available.