New economic and workforce data reveal the staggering toll of opioid misuse, and how the OUD Business Toolkit empowers employers to lead change.

Arizona’s opioid and fentanyl crisis isn’t just a public health emergency. It’s an economic and workforce challenge with real consequences for business leaders and decision-makers across the state.

According to recent estimates, the combined cost of the opioid and fentanyl crisis in Arizona hit an estimated $58 billion in 2023. This figure is driven by lost productivity, health care utilization, addiction treatment needs, law enforcement, and border-related impacts, rivaling many of the state’s largest industries.

These staggering numbers reflect more than financial loss. They point to a workforce under strain. Fatal and non-fatal overdoses, hospitalizations, and the ripple effects of untreated opioid use disorder (OUD) affect recruitment, retention, workplace safety, benefits costs, and morale, particularly in industries with physically demanding roles or tight labor markets.

Yet many leaders feel unprepared. National surveys suggest that while a majority of employers report that opioid misuse affects their workplace, only a small percentage feel extremely well prepared to address it. As a result, many organizations remain reactive rather than proactive.

That’s where the Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Business Toolkit comes in. Developed by Valley Leadership’s Health Impact Team in collaboration with subject matter experts and funded through a significant grant from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the free Toolkit helps employers translate awareness into action. It is designed specifically for leaders, HR professionals, and executives who want to build recovery-ready workplaces that support employees while protecting organizational health.

Here’s why this matters for Arizona decision-makers:

  • Economic urgency: A $58 billion annual impact underscores that untreated OUD is not only a health issue, but a business continuity concern.
  • Fentanyl’s rise: Synthetic opioids like fentanyl, up to 100 times stronger than morphine, have sharply increased the severity and cost of the crisis.
  • Workplace impact: Untreated substance use contributes to absenteeism, safety risks, talent shortages, and strained benefits, all of which affect competitiveness.
  • Leadership opportunity: Employers that adopt supportive policies and training can reduce stigma, improve outcomes, and attract and retain talent.

The OUD Business Toolkit isn’t just informational. It’s a strategic resource for leaders navigating a complex challenge with clarity and compassion. Through practical policy templates, manager resources, benefits guidance, and stigma-reduction strategies, it aligns business goals with human-centered care.

Arizona’s leaders have both an opportunity and a responsibility to transform how workplaces respond to the opioid and fentanyl crisis. By acting now, they can strengthen workplace culture, protect their workforce, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient state.

Learn more and take action at www.oudbiztoolkit.org.