Labor Dept. to fund addiction workforce recovery grants

What does this do?

This bill would require the Department of Labor to collect and share updated, research-based guidance with states and local governments each year on how substance use disorders affect workers and local economies. It would also create a new federal grant program that communities could apply for to fund job training and employment programs connected to addiction prevention and treatment, including mental health services and pain management.

Who does it affect?

People who could receive help through the grants include laid-off workers, the long-term unemployed, people whose jobs were disrupted by widespread substance use in their community, and current or aspiring healthcare workers in addiction or mental health treatment fields.

Why does it matter?

Without access to consistent research, states and local governments may struggle to respond effectively to how substance use disorders affect their workforces. Communities without funding may have fewer options for connecting addiction treatment and mental health services to job training programs.

Where does it stand?