LSSHRM Luncheon Meeting

Addiction Awareness: The Missing Piece in the Post Pandemic EAP and Benefits Puzzle

Mental health and substance misuse and abuse has been a growing, silent problem among employees, and has only intensified since the onset of the pandemic with millions of employees struggling with substance misuse while coping with COVID and the resulting personal and professional disruptions. Not only do many employers not do enough to help with this major issue, but many workplace cultures exacerbate the problem. What can be done? In this presentation, you’ll learn how education, EAPs, benefits programs and more can combat substance misuse and addiction that may be lurking in your workplace.

Cheryl Brown Merriwether has more than 25 years of experience as a Management, Human Resources and Addiction Recovery Support Professional. She is the Executive Director at NET Institute Center for Addiction and Recovery Education and the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches. Cheryl previously worked as the Director of Training and Development for Florida's Blood Centers, as HR Manager for Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C), and as the Manager of Organizational Development and Training at AT&T. Cheryl has also worked as a Consultant for numerous business and community organizations. Cheryl earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Management from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Science degree in Human Resources Development and Administration from Barry University. Professionally, Cheryl is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), a Certified Manager (CM), a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), and a Certified Professional Life and Recovery Coach (CPC) (CPRC). As an adult educator, Cheryl continues to positively influence individual and corporation learning and development across multiple industries. As a Certified Manager, Cheryl is the former Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). She is currently an Adjunct Faculty Member at the University of Phoenix and formerly with Strayer University. Finally, Cheryl is the 2020 President Elect of the Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Management (GOSHRM). A native of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Cheryl is married to Keith Merriwether, JD. Together they have five adult children and two grandsons.