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 March 5 in the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation (CRI), located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North.
Part of the Regional Employee Support Network (RESN) lecture series, the three-hour session is titled "Illegal Drugs and Alcohol Awareness in the Workplace" and has a fee of $50 and registration is required.
The coordinator of workplace drug analysis services for Meritcare Health Systems in Fargo, North Dakota, 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.
RESN 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.
CRI staff facilitates RESN activities with support provided by North Country Health Services, North Country Business Products, Potlatch, Bi-CAP, Pinnacle Publishing, and Anderson Fabrics, and Johanneson, Inc.
Formed in 1997, the Center is an off-campus facility operated by Bemidji State University to assist businesses, organizations and individuals in gaining new knowledge, achieving applied experience, and improving successes. It annually serves more than 2500 individuals and 400 businesses by providing corporate and custom training, delivering non-credit online learning, creating multimedia solutions, offering strategic organizational development, and coordinating regular informational programs in such areas as natural resources and work safety.
Individuals who wish to be added to the RESN mailing or have questions about this program should contact the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900; toll free, (888) 738-3224; email, cri@bemidjistate.edu; or at the Web site www.cri-bsu.org.