BISMARCK, N.D. – The State of North Dakota has been certified as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, one of only two state governments to receive the national certification from the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute, Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced today.
“Creating a supportive workplace for people in recovery is more than just good policy for filling open jobs in state government – it’s also the right thing to do,” Armstrong said. “We’re honored to receive this national Recovery Friendly Workplace certification and thankful for everyone in our administration and those who came before us who have worked to reduce the stigma of addiction and help individuals find hope and employment in recovery.”
Eliza Zarka, program director for the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute, congratulated the state on the certification in a letter to North Dakota Commissioner of Recovery and Reentry Jonathan Holth. Armstrong created the commissioner’s role shortly after taking office in December 2024, adding Holth to his Cabinet to emphasize the importance of recovery and reentry in the administration’s priorities.
“This is an important day for North Dakota. Achieving this certification highlights the important work that has been done over the course of several years by agency leaders and human resource teams to develop and implement recovery-friendly and supportive workforce policies,” Holth said. “This is a key step for our state to help our private sector businesses across North Dakota develop recovery-friendly workplaces that support people as they get back on their feet and stay in meaningful recovery.”
While Holth has been working with the Institute for months to achieve certification, North Dakota submitted the application in July, highlighting programs and policies in state government supportive of those in recovery. Those include strong benefits packages for people seeking help for substance use disorders, regular training opportunities across departments, access to naloxone in the workplace, and many more areas where the state scored highly in the application. The state also provides access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and fully paid health care premiums for employees, and a Shared Leave Program is available for in-patient hospitalization or programs and partial hospitalization programs.
Minnesota is the only other state to receive the national certification.
“This significant milestone is a testament to your commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and compassionate workplace culture,” Zarka stated in the letter. “Your efforts to embrace individuals in recovery and empower them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive are truly commendable.”
Armstrong has proclaimed September as Recovery Month in North Dakota.