The Department of Human Resources (DCHR) is committed to protecting workplace safety and health while fostering the well-being and health of its employees. This commitment is jeopardized when any District government employee illegally uses drugs on or off the job, comes to work under the influence, possesses, distributes or sells drugs in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job.

DCHR supports the concept of making all employees aware of the harmful effects of drug and/or alcohol use and strongly encourages employees who may have an alcohol or drug problem to seek help. DCHR will begin a District-wide campaign in the coming weeks to bring awareness to the problems, but also places where employees can seek help. The event will be “District Drug-Free Work Week” and will be held October 14 to 20.

The District government offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefit for employees and their dependents.  The EAP provides confidential assessment, referral and short-term counseling for employees who need or request it.  Confidentiality is assured. NO information regarding the nature of the personal problem will be made available to the supervisors nor will it be included in the permanent personnel file.

Employees can access the EAP through self-referral or through referral by a supervisor. If an EAP referral to a treatment provider outside the EAP is necessary, costs may be covered by the employee’s medical insurance, but the cost of such outside services are the employee’s responsibility.

For more information, visit the DCHR's Drug Free Work Week information page.