The $100 Billion Problem*: The Employer's Critical Role in Substance Use Disorder Awareness, Prevention and Recovery; and the High Costs Associated.
Substance abuse has been exponentially rising, especially during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and employers are quickly realizing the monumental impact drug abuse and misuse has in the workplace. Between lost productivity, healthcare costs, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and criminal justice fees, the total economic burden is estimated to be close to $100 billion. In this session, you will learn about resources and programs to help prevent addiction, and support recovery. Learn from leading companies with innovative programs and services that help prevent substance use disorders and overdose and support employees in recovery.
Substance use growth and the effect on the workforce - Causes for substance use (addiction; mental health challenges, etc.) - Post-pandemic pressures (life changes; return to work in person or hybrid; kids back to school) - Addressing challenges include substance use (prevention and recovery support)
SOURCE: AJMC (American Journal of Managed Care), October 2020
Brandee Izquierdo
Stacy Meyr
Stacy Meyr is clinically trained as a Doctor of Chiropractic with over 20 years’ experience in Health Care Administration. Currently she supports payer relationships for Athletico Physical Therapy, while leading specialty Value-Based Care Programs targeting Musculoskeletal Management (MSK) that employers and payers reduce cost and improve member outcomes. During her time with Aetna,(a CVS Company)she served in several different roles including oversight for Provider Relations and Network Management and also Accountable Care Program Operations. She led initial launch efforts in Aetna’s Government Programs for Population Health Management across multiple states, maintaining responsibility and oversight for program performance. While at Lumeris, Stacy led Provider Engagement strategies and execution focused on Population Health Management Solutions and Medicare Advantage value-based performance for the organization nationally.
Jeff Horwitz
Jeff Horwitz is the Chief Operating Officer for SAFE Project, a national nonprofit committed to contributing in a tangible way to overcoming the epidemic of addiction in the United States. He is a retired Navy Captain and Judge Advocate. Jeff graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. He also earned a master’s degree in Homeland Security from American Military University. During his 28 years of military service, Jeff served in multiple positions including General Counsel of the White House Military Office, Command Judge Advocate on board the USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75), Counsel for the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces in Northern Europe and the United Kingdom and as the Director of Navy’s Legislative Program.
Upon his retirement in 2014, Jeff became the first Director of Development for Penn State Law as well as Penn State University’s School of International Affairs. Jeff worked for a brief period as the Director of Strategic Planning for the Milton Hershey School before joining SAFE Project in April 2018.
