The Vermont Chamber of Commerce announced today its participation in the Employee Wellness Partnership, a statewide initiative coordinated by Workplace Compliance and Wellness Vermont (WCWV). The program brings together companies, organizations, and resource providers to reduce suicide and overdose deaths in Vermont by promoting a culture of care and empathy within workplaces and communities.

As a member of the Employee Wellness Partnership, the Vermont Chamber joins The Associated General Contractors of Vermont, Ski Vermont, Jenna’s Promise, Sana at Stowe, Invest Employee Assistance Program, and the Vermont Department of Health, to highlight the health and wellness of employees across the state. The partnership seeks to destigmatize conversations around mental health and substance abuse through training, education, and open dialogue, making workplaces safer and more supportive environments for everyone.

“We’re partnering in this effort because we recognize how critical the role of employee wellness is to retention and overall business success,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve heard from businesses that have employees in crisis and want to help but don’t always have the tools to support them. This partnership aims to reduce stigma and provide the resources and training needed to  build on our culture of healthy and  supportive workplaces across Vermont.”

The Employee Wellness Partnership has made a significant impact since its inception, reaching approximately 150,000 Vermonters—25 percent of the state’s population—through its programs. The initiative has distributed 15,000 doses of Narcan, 25,000 harm reduction kits, and held 12 virtual discussions and 25 on-site visits to promote mental health awareness and employee well-being. The initiative’s success was recently recognized with a Power of Associations Gold Award by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

“By actively caring for people in the workplace, we can save lives and build stronger communities,” said Reid Wobby, a leading advocate for employee wellness and a representative from WCWV. “The Employee Wellness Partnership offers the resources and support that businesses and organizations need to make a real difference in the lives of their employees and their families.”

As part of this ongoing commitment to workplace well-being, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Solutions Summit on September 25th, a one-day conference focused on workforce development programs. Reid Wobby will present a session titled “Supporting Employees in Crisis: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Response and Support,” offering practical steps employers can take to assist employees in crisis. Registration for the event is now open, with more details available at www.vtchamber.com/workforce-solutions-summit.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is proud to join this critical initiative to help foster healthy, supportive work environments across the state. For more information on the Employee Wellness Partnership or to learn how your business can get involved, please visit www.wcwvt.com.