Four-Star Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Former US Drug Czar, To Report "Drugs In The Workplace -- Understated National Crisis" At Teamsters Health & Benefits Forum Fri., Nov. 8, 10:30 AM At NYC Grand Hyatt

McCaffrey to announce Over 20 Million Need But Do Not Receive Treatment according to Federal Data; Lost Productivity costs $200 Billion annually

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Four-Star General (Ret) and former U.S. Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey will report on "Drugs in the Workplace— Understated National Crisis," at the 20th Annual Health and Benefits Exposition, at the Grand Hyatt New York, 109 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017.  He will speak to the conference in the featured presentation at 10:30 AM in the Imperial Room and at 11:30 will greet and offer brief comments to nearly 400 participants and over 50 exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall, one floor up.

General McCaffrey said he will discuss the national substance abuse crisis as a health issue that has enormous national implications on employer productivity, work stability, the economy, families, and crime.  He will point to statistics showing $200 billion in lost productivity due to substance abuse, and will report that over 20 million Americans need but do not receive treatment according to the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

General McCaffrey congratulated Andy Johnson, Administrator of the Teamster Center Services Fund and organizer of the conference, union leaders including Teamsters General President James Hoffa, New York City Joint Council President George Miranda and the leaders of many unions from all over the country represented at the Expo.  The Fund is celebrating its 50^th anniversary and the 20^th Anniversary of the expo.  McCaffrey called it "a national model program to assure employee assistance, behavioral health management, and health and workplace benefits to 20 Teamster unions in the metropolitan New York area."  The program serves 28,000 families.  In addition, McCaffrey noted the importance of bringing together benefits and plans from a variety of service providers from across the country. Among its activities, the Fund's employee assistance program provides advice and referral to members seeking treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues for themselves or their dependents.  The Health and Benefits Expo includes a variety of unions – Teamsters, Carpenters, Excavators, and others. Over a million covered lives will be represented.

The attendees and exhibitors provide varied assistance to workers and their families—health insurance, legal offices, food and commercial, teachers, vision, dental, hospital services, actuarial, medical, pensions, prescriptions, and other services.

General McCaffrey said that with the Affordable Care Act and new parity requirements for mental health and substance abuse services to equal physical health benefits, "Now everyone will be fighting for you far more than before. I stand with you wanting the best benefits.  Congratulations to the unions and the providers who are fighting for good benefits for members.  The country will come out better."

McCaffrey added, "For 19-25 year-olds, Andy told me that the most used benefit his program provides is substance abuse rehabilitation.  This amazing fact shows how important what you are doing is to start people out right.  Our future is dependent on the success of your program.  You are at the heart and soul of improving the character and productivity of the nation."

General McCaffrey is being hosted at the Expo by CRC Health Group, the country's largest substance abuse and behavioral services treatment provider, where McCaffrey is senior advisor.

MEDIA NOTE:  Coverage welcome during event, and interviews possible with Gen. McCaffrey November 8 before and after his presentation.  Contact Bob Weiner 301-283-0821, cell 202-306-1200, email [email protected], or onsite.

CONTACT: Bob Weiner/Richard Mann 301-283-0821, cell 202-306-1200 [email protected]

SOURCE Robert Weiner Associates