Tamworth board agrees to express interest in governor's recovery-friendly workplace program

The Tamworth Select Board voted unanimously May 13 to complete and submit a nonbinding letter of interest to the governor's Recovery Friendly Workplaces program after a presentation from a local recovery worker.

White Horse Recovery certified recovery worker Drew Peterson told the board the state program aims to connect employers with resources so employees struggling with substance use disorder can be offered treatment options instead of immediate discipline or dismissal. "The point is essentially that employees are given a chance to address problems with substance abuse versus just fall away," Peterson said.

Peterson said the program's online form asks for basic organizational information — business name, municipality, number of employees and a contact person — and that submitting it indicates willingness to be contacted by a state representative for follow-up, not a binding commitment. He also said participation would not supersede existing policies for first responders, which the board discussed during public comment.

Board members moved and seconded a motion to complete the governor's online letter-of-interest form so a state representative can follow up. The chair called the roll: Barry, yes; Schaefer, yes; Prince, yes; Roberts, yes. The motion passed.

After the vote, a board member asked town staff to submit the online form; a staff member agreed to do so.

The board did not adopt any new town policy at the meeting. The action recorded was limited to the town completing the state form and receiving follow-up information from the governor's office about the designation process.

Board members and staff said further discussion would follow if the state representative requested a meeting to outline any formal designation steps or policy implications.

Emily, the staff member who handled the follow-up at the meeting, was asked to complete the online form immediately so the state program can contact the town.