CONTACT INFORMATION
Keyarah Watson
Director of Communications and Digital Media
Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
Keyarah.Watson@BaltimoreCity.gov
RELEASE DATE
Friday, April 24, 2026
City of Baltimore Achieves Platinum Recovery Friendly Workplace Status
Baltimore, MD — The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED), Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Overdose Response (BCMOOR), and Department of Human Resources (DHR) today announced that the City of Baltimore has achieved Platinum status as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, recognizing the City’s commitment to supporting employees in recovery and reducing stigma in the workplace.
This designation reflects the City’s leadership across four key areas, including making naloxone widely available in public locations and training staff in its use. To date, more than 2,500 City employees have been trained through efforts led by MOED and the Baltimore City Health Department, with plans to further expand training.
“I am so proud of the progress we are making to expand resources and support for those in recovery from substance use disorder,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Through our Recovery Friendly Programs, and other initiatives like Naloxone training for employees, the City of Baltimore is leading by example, supporting folks at every stage of their journey—including recovery.”
The City also provides ongoing bias awareness and anti-stigma training, participates in research and data efforts coordinated by MOED, and maintains policies that support the hiring and retention of employees with substance use disorder, including access to Employee Assistance Programs.
“I’m proud to recognize MOED’s Recovery Friendly Programs team for their leadership in helping Baltimore City achieve this designation,” said MacKenzie Garvin, Esq., Director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. “Being named a Recovery Friendly Workplace reflects the intentional work happening across our agencies to support employees and reduce stigma. At MOED, we’re honored to serve as the city’s certifying agency.”
Baltimore joins 31 organizations across the city participating in the program, collectively supporting more than 16,000 employees and their families. To combat stigma against substance use disorder, Mayor Scott’s Overdose Response Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 calls for an increase in the number of employers across Baltimore designated as Recovery Friendly Workplaces.
“I am proud that the City of Baltimore has been designated a Platinum Recovery Friendly Workplace—the Maryland Department of Labor’s highest level of recognition,” said Executive Director of Overdose Response Sara Whaley. “Employment can play a critical role in helping to reach and maintain recovery, and a history of substance use should not be a barrier to accessing economic opportunities. Baltimore City is strongest when we work together to support each and every one of our residents, which is why I encourage every employer to consider becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace so that we can all do our part to combat stigma, promote economic opportunities, and ultimately end the overdose crisis.”
"The City’s designation as a Recovery Friendly Workplace at the Platinum level reflects a deliberate commitment to supporting our employees as whole individuals. In the City of Baltimore, we recognize substance use as a health condition and have aligned our policies to prioritize access to treatment, support, and a pathway back to work," said Jacia T. Falcon, Esq., Director of the Department of Human Resources. "Through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), we provide confidential support and connect employees to the services they need throughout their recovery journey. We are committed to maintaining a workplace culture that balances accountability with support, ensuring employees have the opportunity to recover while continuing to contribute meaningfully to the City’s mission."
"The Maryland Department of Labor applauds the City of Baltimore for achieving Platinum Recovery Friendly Workplace status and for demonstrating what it means to lead with intention and compassion," said Assistant Secretary Erin Roth, Division of Workforce Development and Adult Education. "Supporting individuals in recovery strengthens our workforce and our communities. We are proud to partner with MOED and other employers across Maryland to support workers' well-being, dignity, and long-term success."
About the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
The Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Employment Development (MOED) is committed to empowering Baltimore residents and businesses through job placement, training programs, and support services. Our mission is to promote economic justice in Baltimore City by connecting individuals with meaningful employment opportunities and businesses with the city's brightest talent. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecity.gov/moed or follow us on Instagram at @jobsbaltimore.
About the Mayor’s Office of Overdose Response
The Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Overdose Response (BCMOOR) is committed to addressing the overdose crisis through a coordinated overdose response strategy that ensures best practices and quality of care for Baltimore City residents. Our mission is to promote a Baltimore City where people impacted by substance use are supported; where services for people impacted by substance use are stigma-free, person-centered, and the highest quality; and where systems serving people impacted by substance use meet and respond to the community’s needs. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecity.gov/bcmoor or follow us on Instagram at @BCMOOR_.
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