UPDATE: After “thorough investigation”, Pender Board of Health says no Health Dept. workers taking illegal drugs

WE WERE ABLE TO TALK WITH BOARD OF HEALTH CHAIRPERSON ROBERTA BOST THIS MORNING ABOUT THIS “THOROUGH INVESTIGATION”.

OUR FIRST QUESTION WAS IF ANYONE WAS DRUG TESTED. SHE TOLD US THAT NO ONE INVOLVED WAS CLASSIFIED AS A “SAFETY SENSITIVE” EMPLOYEE – SO THE COUNTY DOES NOT REQUIRE THEM TO BE DRUG TESTED. BUT THE COUNTY MANAGER WAS ADDRESSING REVIEWING AND CHANGING THE POLICY.

SHE ALSO SAID AFTER TALKING WITH STAFF MEMBERS, THE ALLEGATIONS OF DRUG USE DID NOT RAISE “QUESTIONABLE CONCERN” NOR DID IT REQUIRE DRUG TESTING. “THERE IS NOTHING THAT LEADS US TO BELIEVE WE HAVE IT,” SHE SAID.

WE ALSO ASKED HER HOW SHE COULD CALL IT A “THOROUGH” INVESTIGATION WHEN NO ONE WAS DRUG TESTED AND IF SHE ACTUALLY EXPECTED SOMEONE TO ADMIT TO USING DRUGS DURING A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION. SHE SAID SHE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION AND THAT IF WE DIDN’T THINK IT WAS A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION, THAT WAS OUR OPINION.

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BURGAW – In response to recent media reports concerning drug use by Pender County Health Department Employees, the Board of Health conducted a thorough investigation of the allegations.

The investigation included interviews with all employees who reportedly were aware of possible drug use or had made public statements or allegations.

After speaking with all identified employees and members of the Health Department Administration, the Board of Health has found no evidence of drug use by employees of the Health Department.

“While other issues properly can wait for the full assessment which is soon to begin, the importance of insuring a drug-free workplace for our patients and employees merited an immediate investigation,” said Board of Health Chairperson Roberta Bost, RN. “I am pleased to report that we found that there is no evidence of any drug use by our employees.”

INFORMATION FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE WWAY NEWSCHANNEL 3 NEWSROOM….