It’s time for different look at solution to opioid ills

To the Editor An open letter to business owners big and small:

As I travel through my tri-state area (Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and Berks County) I am seeing many help wanted signs. I have not been seeing them in the last few years so it is a great sign to me in that you are looking to hire people to work. After a time I keep seeing the same ones and even more popping up. This got me to thinking.

Why all the sudden are there so many job openings?

I began to look at it in a different way. Could it be because of the Opioid/Heroin Epidemic? Could it be because you are losing employees due to addictions. Are you losing employees that can not pass a drug test? Could it be everyone you interview can not pass a drug test? Could it be your losing employees due to legal issues with them due to drug related-felonies? Could it be the hiring pool is not there because of the epidemic?

I know there are many people in these counties working tirelessly to fight the epidemic. Community leaders are doing their best to educate and bring awareness to their citizens. Many are beginning to understand you can not arrest our way out of this. Also, many grass roots organizations are working tirelessly getting people into treatment.

But, what about you? How are you supposed to gain eligible employees to work for you?

I have an idea. In the county your business is in:

How about contributing to your potential employment pool? If you are an owner of a building that just will not sell or is not in use what about donating it to treatment? There are not enough physical spaces to bed patients in need. Partner up with county officials to see how you could help.

How about contributing other ways with scholarships to recovery? There are many people in addiction rehabilitation/recovery that can not gain employment because of past histories. You could make contact and give aid to a future employee who would be loyal because of your kindness.

For the medical profession (medical/psychological), how about volunteering some time to (reputable) treatment centers and recovery houses? Aid with medical assisted treatments and mental health of future employees. As they say, “it takes a village.” I feel this is to your benefit in the long run. In this world today showing kindness and support from all factions of a community is very important. We can not only depend on our county officials and law enforcement to do this work alone. This has reached epidemic proportions and needs everyone contributing in any way they can.

The Texas horror is an example of everyone coming together for the greater good. All people for all people. There is no divide when people need help.

Whatever your position on addiction is you still need a healthy and stable employment pool. Please talk to your county officials, treatment centers and recovery houses to see how you may contribute to our loved ones caught in the throws of addiction and recovery.

Tricia Stouch, Aston

“Whatever your position on addiction is you still need a healthy and stable employment pool.”

— Tricia Stouch