Renee Schofield: Tongass Substance Screening.

• Author: Stomierowski, Peg
• Position: VIEW FROM THE TOP - Interview

Renee Schofield is owner of Tongass Substance Screening TSS), with offices in Ketchikan, Anchorage and Juneau, as well as in Keokuk, Iowa. Since 1999, the firm has specialized in drug and alcohol collection and testing services.

AK STAR, its educational arm, does phlebotomy (blood collection) training and CPR/First Aid classes, customer service training and additional continuing education.

AIM: How's the view from the top at Tongass?

Schofield: Ten years ago, I was the only employee; today we have 12. We have a great team at TSS, and we truly change people's lives with the work we do. We provide an array of services, and every day is different. From drug-free workplace programs to crime- and trauma-scene decontamination, we are on call 24/7.

ABM: What substances pose greatest risks?

Schofield: Substance abuse is widespread across the nation. As the economy takes a dive, it tends to skyrocket. Our offices have seen an increase in prescription drug abuse in all age groups.

ABM: How effective is workplace testing, and how prevalent random testing?

Schofield: Workplace testing is quite useful. Employers have a responsibility to send a clear message that illicit drug use is unacceptable, and some employees are federally mandated to participate in random drug testing. Many business owners who are not mandated to do testing still run programs that comply with Alaska statutes in order to reduce the risk of accident and/or injury.

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ABM: What's the cost range and process for a startup program?

Schofield: Costs vary, depending in part on size and policy. TSS can have a program up within days, once a policy is legally vetted and employees notified. Given the rise in insurance/business costs, and potential loss of time in the event of an injury, drug screening constitutes essential protection.

ABM: Is workplace testing a growth field?

Schofield: Companies like TSS are unique in that we fill a niche market, primarily catering to the workplace. TSS does other things in the testing arena, such as audiograms, spirometry (measuring breath), insurance exams, health fairs and safety training. We perform urine drug-screen collection for agencies across the nation, for instance, when screening for employment elsewhere can easily be done locally. Alaska has some fine providers who work well with...