OPM has released a memo, created with the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), to instruct the Federal workforce about what they can do to help prevent opioid misuse in light of the current opioid abuse crisis in the United States.

The memo includes a fact sheet from OPM intended to raise awareness of the resources agencies across the government have made available for Federal employees and their family members.

“It is important, now more than ever, to provide Federal employees with the correct knowledge and information on just how harmful an opioid addiction can be, not only to themselves, but to their families,” said OPM Acting Director Kathy McGettigan. “OPM will continue to help raise awareness about the opioid epidemic and play a role in educating the Federal workforce.”

“Addiction can affect anyone and it’s important that Federal employees are aware of the risks, the warning signs, and the resources available for them and their families if they are struggling with addiction,” said Richard Baum, Acting Director of National Drug Control Policy. “If we can prevent people from misusing opioids in the first place, we can save lives.”