BEMIDJI, Minn. — Vicki Hanson will outlines steps to recognize and deal with alcohol and drug abuse in businesses, industries, agencies and nonprofit organizations during a 9 a.m. presentation Thursday, March 5, in the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation, located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North.

Part of the Regional Employee Support Network lecture series, the three-hour session is titled “Illegal Drugs and Alcohol Awareness in the Workplace” and is open to the public at no charge.

The coordinator of workplace drug analysis services for Meritcare Health Systems in Fargo, N.D., Hanson will identify the problem of drug abuse and alcohol misuse. She will then outline how an organization can decrease its risk and comply with federal as well as state laws.

Session participants will also receive a sample policy for drug and alcohol testing.

Hanson has worked closely with employers over the past 19 years to help them manage their drug and alcohol testing programs. She also conducts a variety of educational programs to raise awareness of the use of illegal drugs and misuse of alcohol. She is a certified professional drug screen collector, a certified breath alcohol technician, and a certified employer representative.

The Regional Employer Support Network was formed after area employers expressed the need for a network of professionals involved in human resource development and management. It usually meets the first Thursday of each month with regular sessions lasting two hours. Lengthier quarterly sessions are also scheduled.

Center for Research and Innovation staff facilitate the network’s activities with support provided by North Country Health Services, North Country Business Products, Potlatch, Bi-CAP, Pinnacle Publishing, and Anderson Fabrics, and Johanneson, Inc.

Individuals who wish to be added to the RESN mailing list or have questions about this program should contact the Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900; toll free, (888) 738-3224; e-mail, cri@bemidjistate.edu; or at http://www.cri-bsu.org.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
March 5 – 9 a.m. – Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation hosts Regional Employer Support Network presentation on alcohol and illegal drugs in the workplace. Presenter: Vicki Hanson, coordinator, workplace drug services, Meritcare Health Systems, Fargo, N.D. Location: Center for Research and Innovation; 3801 Bemidji Ave. N, Bemidji. Cost: free. For information: (218) 755-4900; (888) 738-3224; http://www.cri-bsu.org.