Gov. Kelly Armstrong announces North Dakota has earned national Recovery Friendly Workplace certification
Bismarck, North Dakota – North Dakota has received national recognition for its efforts to create a workplace that supports employees in recovery, becoming one of only two state governments in the country to earn Recovery Friendly Workplace certification.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced that the certification was awarded by the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute. Minnesota is the only other state government to have received the national certification.
“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.”
State highlights programs supporting employees
North Dakota submitted its application in July after Commissioner of Recovery and Reentry Jonathan Holth worked with the Institute for several months. Armstrong created Holth’s position shortly after taking office in December 2024 and added him to the Cabinet.
The state’s application highlighted several policies supporting employees in recovery. These include benefits for people seeking help for substance use disorders, training opportunities across state departments and access to naloxone in workplaces.
State employees also have access to an Employee Assistance Program, fully paid health care premiums and a Shared Leave Program that can be used for inpatient hospitalization or partial hospitalization programs.
“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.”
Eliza Zarka, program director for the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute, also praised North Dakota’s efforts.
“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.”
The announcement comes as Armstrong has proclaimed September as Recovery Month in North Dakota.
