Employers display creativity in addressing opioid crisis

There is no silver bullet for curing the opioid epidemic that is ravaging communities and impacting employers, but some central Ohio businesses are finding creative solutions to help address the issue from within their own organizations.

A year ago, Encova Insurance was hesitant to take up the cause, but today the Columbus-based insurer is a member of the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance and has introduced a variety of programs to assist employees. Ralph Smithers, Jr., Encova’s associate vice president for diversity and community relations, recalls an early introductory meeting with founding members of the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance.