IBEW 1245 is pleased to post this story by the Peer Volunteer Program at PG&E
“Help for today. Hope for tomorrow.”
That’s the theme for this year’s Alcohol Awareness Month, but it can also describe PG&E’s approach to helping people with substance abuse problems. In light of Alcohol Awareness Month, the Peer Volunteer Program (PVP) wants you to know who we are.
Mike Harris is a Gas Service Rep in Antioch. Elisa Stone is a customer service rep in Sacramento. Alycia Brown is an operating clerk in Bakersfield. We are your peers. We are PG&E employees. We are in long-term recovery or have a loved one who is. And we have been in your shoes.
The Peer Volunteer Program is a collaborative effort between PG&E, IBEW Local 1245, and ESC Local 20 – and it’s for all PG&E employees and their family members. The Peer Volunteers are a group of PG&Eers who provide confidential help to fellow employees or their loved ones with alcohol/substance abuse issues. Peer Volunteers are available by phone 24/7, and can provide resources, assist in getting treatment, or even connect with an employee who has recently returned to work from treatment.
An estimated 9.1% of employees in a utility company our size have a substance abuse problem. That’s nearly 2,000 of our employees. It doesn’t have to be that way; we can make a difference.
If you need support, please visit the PVP website at: //peervolunteers.org/ to access the Peer Volunteer contact list or call the EAP hotline (1-888-445-4436) and ask to have a Peer contact you directly.