Thirty-six Dunkin’ Donuts locations in Maine are adding substance use education to their training agenda
PORTLAND — Mike Kleiner, people operations business partner for Dunkin’ Donuts Management Company, CAFUA Management is spearheading an initiative to provide the hundreds of employees at the organization’s 36 locations throughout Maine, as well as their customers, with substance use education.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between Kleiner, on behalf of CAFUA; Journey Magazine, a publication devoted to changing the narrative about substance use disorder, treatment and recovery from negative to hopeful; and the Maine OPTIONS initiative, part of the state’s response to the Opioid crisis.
Earlier this spring, Journey Magazine and OPTIONS Liaisons began presenting community-level events at points across the state from Pittsfield to Sanford. The events feature educational materials, lifesaving naloxone (commonly referred to as Narcan), and information about resources designed to help individuals, their friends and family understand SUD and how to get help. To date there have been over 30 community events, with more expected over the coming months.
In addition to hosting the in-store events, the Dunkin’ Donuts locations are placing posters featuring recovery resources, including how to get naloxone, in the store break rooms and restrooms. The locations are also placing vinyl clings on all of the bathroom mirrors that have contact information for getting help on them as they are produced and distributed.
“I’m pleased by how responsive our employees have been about these events,” said Kleiner. Staff and customers have been open-minded, inquisitive and appreciative. “I’m happy that people from our company are not shy about getting this information. It’s great to see.” Kleiner said.
Kleiner recognizes that someone may look at the poster in the breakroom three or four times before reaching out for help. “If they look at that poster day after day, maybe the light bulb will come on,” said Kleiner. “You know if just one person gets help, it’s all worth this collaboration. The next person that gets help and back in the workforce and makes a success story for themselves — that’s a win for their family, their employer and their community. Everyone deserves a second chance.”
“I hope other businesses will sign on with Journey and OPTIONS and get more involved,” Klein said. “We plan to continue this work and I invite other employers to do the same.”
Any employer who would like to explore community and employee events with Journey Magazine should contact [email protected]; or the OPTIONS campaign, Maddison Bourassa at [email protected].
