U.S. Labor Department announces dates for 4th annual Drug-Free Work Week

Campaign depends upon community organizations to implement local level
activities

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor
today encouraged public and private community organizations to participate in
the 4th annual Drug-Free Work Week, which will occur Oct. 19 to 25. This
public awareness campaign, held each October, emphasizes the importance of
drug-free workplace programs to help prevent workplace alcohol and drug use,
and encourage workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help.

This year's campaign will have a special focus on the benefits drug-free
workplace programs bring to America's families and communities. In cities and
towns across the nation, community-based and neighborhood organizations will
be organizing a variety of grassroots activities to spread the campaign's core
message that "Working Drug Free Works" to workers, working parents and youth.

"Successful drug-free workplace programs provide a safe and healthy
environment for workers, and result in a productive workplace for employers,"
said Elena M. Carr, drug policy coordinator for the Labor Department's Office
of the Assistant Secretary for Policy. "For everyone's safety, participate in
this year's campaign to reduce substance and alcohol abuse that can affect
families and entire communities."

Examples of local level activities that community-based organizations might
use to further Drug-Free Work Week's message are employer seminars,
workplace-based trainings and community health fairs with special activities
for youth and families. As in previous years, employers and workers are also
encouraged to conduct observances within their organizations, with activities
such as workplace displays, educational programs and alcohol-free social
events.

Drug-Free Work Week is coordinated by the Labor Department's Working Partners
for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program, in partnership with members
of its Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, several federal agencies and nonprofit
organizations focused on alcohol and drug abuse prevention or workplace safety
and health.

A variety of Drug-Free Work Week materials and specific ideas for how
organizations of all types can get involved in the campaign are available on
the Drug-Free Work Week Web site at http://www.dol.gov/drugfreeworkweek.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at
http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made
available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from
the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing
your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is
committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to
understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations.
For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor

Gloria Della of the U.S. Department of Labor, +1-202-693-8664