Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) for Employees

NOVA’s DAAPP for employees promotes a safe and healthy workplace through the prevention of substance misuse. The program:

• Promotes Education and Prevention: Provides information on health risks and legal consequences associated with substance misuse to support informed decision-making.
• Provides Support and Recovery Resources: Connects employees with confidential services and resources for treatment and recovery.
• Encourages Healthy Lifestyles: Supports wellness initiatives and a workplace culture that promotes substance-free behaviors.
• Ensures Policy Awareness: Reinforces employee understanding of responsibilities and institutional consequences related to policy violations.

Substance misuse poses significant health and safety risks that can impact both individuals and the workplace. Specific health impacts associated with alcohol use are detailed by the CDC under Alcohol Use and Your Health.

For information on other commonly misused substances and addiction, employees should consult the NIDA A to Z Drugs Directory. Additionally, the Office of Wellness and Mental Health (OWMH) provides localized substance use education and treatment resources for the NOVA community.

In accordance with the DFSCA requirements, Northern Virginia Community College maintains a continuous cycle of evaluation and improvement:

• Annual Reviews: Evaluation of program effectiveness and implementation of improvements.
• Biennial Review: A comprehensive assessment performed every two years to measure prevention strategies and identify growth areas.
• Annual Notification: Each fall, all students and employees receive an electronic notification detailing standards of conduct, legal sanctions, and support services.

Beyond the annual notification, all employees must complete mandatory Commonwealth of Virginia HR training upon hire and annually thereafter. This training contains a module that specifically covers the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy, detailing:

• The impact of substance use in the professional environment.
• Specific employee responsibilities and expectations.
• NOVA’s commitment to a safe, healthy, and drug-free workplace.

Employees are encouraged to consult their healthcare teams to explore treatment and recovery options. NOVA provides a wide array of services to help navigate these challenges:

Resources for All Employees

All faculty and staff, including adjunct and hourly workers, have access to:

• TimelyCare: Virtual coaching for substance-free living, a diverse provider network, and educational content.
• Anthem’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free counseling, work-life resources, legal & financial guidance, and self-paced addiction recovery courses and assessments at www.anthemeap.com/cova.
• NOVA Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW): For the most up-to-date information on employee support and resources, visit the Employee Wellness NOVAnet and/or Canvas.
• NOVA Office of Wellness and Mental Health (OWMH): Resources for Substance Use Education and Treatment and Mental Health Provider Referral Database.
• Community Partners: Additional resources available through Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Virginia Department of Health and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Full-time employees enrolled in state health plans receive additional coverage:

• State Health Plans: The Commonwealth of Virginia Employee Health & Wellness Benefits Guide outlines available state-level support. Employees can contact their provider for specific coverage details.
• Commonwealth EAP: A state-sponsored benefit tied to participation in a Commonwealth health plan and focused on counseling/referrals, including substance use concerns.

For assistance navigating available benefits, employees may contact the HR Benefits team at benefits@nvcc.edu.

Violations include:

• Unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of alcohol or drugs in the workplace.
• Reporting to work impaired by alcohol or drugs (excluding legitimate medical use).
• Criminal convictions for drug or alcohol violations, on or off-campus.
• Failure to report a conviction to a supervisor.

Violations are subject to disciplinary measures determined on a case-by-case basis, including:

• Verbal reprimands or written warnings.
• Probation or suspension.
• Mandatory referral to an EAP or rehabilitation as a condition of employment.
• Termination of employment.

NOVA may consider mitigating circumstances, such as an employee voluntarily seeking assistance before a violation occurs. However, all employees are expected to adhere to these regulations while on campus or at college-sponsored activities.

In addition to institutional consequences, violations of federal, state, or local drug and alcohol laws may result in criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Please be aware that additional federal, state, and local laws and regulations govern substance abuse. These external legal frameworks carry their own specific sanctions and penalties for non-compliance, including fines and imprisonment, which are separate from institutional disciplinary actions.

More detailed information regarding federal and state legal sanctions are available upon request.