BEMIDJI, Minn. — The Regional Employer Support Network will feature a presentation entitled “Illegal Drugs and Alcohol Awareness in the Workplace” from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 3, at the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation, located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North.

The fee for attending this session is $50. Early registration is encouraged and the registration deadline is March 26. Registration forms are available online at www.cri-bsu.org or by calling the CRI at (218) 755-4900 or toll free at (888) 738-3224.

Presenting will be Vicki Hanson, coordinator of MeritCare Workplace Drug Analysis Services, Fargo, N.D.  Her presentation will help employers and managers identify the problem of drug and alcohol abuse and misuse in the workplace and provide advice on how to decrease associated risks. Guidance will also be provided on how to comply with federal and state laws, and a sample policy for drug and alcohol testing will be provided.

Hanson has 19 years of experience working with employers to manage their drug and alcohol testing programs and is a certified professional drug screen collector, certified breath alcohol technician and certified designated employer representative. She provides a variety of educational programs to employers, employees and organizations to raise awareness of the use of illegal drugs and misuse of alcohol in the workplace.

The Regional Employer Support Network was formed after employers in the region expressed the need for a network of professionals involved in human resources development and management. It usually meets the first Thursday of each month with regular sessions lasting two hours and quarterly sessions lasting longer. The sessions are open to anyone interested in learning more about the featured topic.

CRI staff members help facilitate RESN activities, and organizations collaborating to support the group include North Country Health Services, North Country Business Products, Potlatch, Bi-CAP, Johanneson, Inc., Pinnacle Publishing and Anderson Fabrics.

For more information about RESN contact the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900, or toll free at (888) 738-3224.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
April 3 – 9 a.m. – noon – Regional Employee Support Network presentation, “Illegal Drugs and Alcohol Awareness in the Workplace,” hosted by the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation. Location: CRI; 3801 Bemidji Ave. N.; Bemidji, Minn. Cost: $50; MARCH 26 REGISTRATION DEADLINE. For information: (218) 755-4900; (888) 738-3244; http://www.cri-bsu.org.