News - Maine's Healthcare Leads the Way in Recovery-Friendly Workplaces

Kelsey Sukeforth's journey to sobriety from alcoholism is closely linked with her role as an executive assistant at Central Maine Healthcare, a system recognized as Maine’s first recovery-friendly hospital. This initiative is part of a wider state-funded program—Recovery Friendly Workplace Maine—aimed at creating safer environments for employees to discuss and seek help for substance use disorders. Central Maine Healthcare, located in Lewiston, embodies this mission through various educational modules for managers and supportive resources, such as recovery support groups led by Sukeforth herself. These groups have cultivated a culture of awareness and support not only for employees but also for the family and friends of those dealing with addiction. Brittany Reichmann, director of RFW Maine, stresses that these efforts emphasize wellness and universal struggles, transforming workplaces into supportive, stigma-free zones for those in recovery. Workplaces that share a commitment to such initiatives receive a state-endorsed designation, further supported by funding from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Sewall Foundation. Monique Roy, the hospital system’s vice president of workplace development, emphasizes that support extends beyond the individual to their network, offering confidential, judgment-free assistance. Sukeforth's confidence in her ability to seek help now reflects the establishment of a compassionate and understanding work culture at Central Maine Healthcare, ultimately enhancing the care provided to patients. The initiative’s ripple effect highlights its importance in transforming lives and healthcare systems towards inclusive and empathetic workplaces.