Rapid Bind, a trade binder in Portland, Oregon, that deals only with printers is described by its owner John Goche as "a sliver of the printing business." During the company's 13-year history, its work force has grown to 35 employees.

Late in 1985, Goche realized that severe drug problems had developed among his employees. Several were suspected of using drugs on the job and during breaks. After the daily shifts, evidence of drug use could be found near the company parking area. The younger employees, new to the world of work, were drawn to this group, for whom the peer-pressure message was "use" rather than "not use."

Goche's efforts to find help led him to a counselor who agreed to talk to the crew. Thereafter, peer pressure started to work in reverse. But, the problem persisted.

The need for intervention became fully apparent in July 1989 when a six-year term employee who was 25, married, and had a nine-month-old child, committed suicide. The other employees were emotionally drained and could simply not produce a product. Again, a counselor was brought in to talk with employees, collectively and individually. With this help, "It was amazing how quickly we healed," said Goche.

Late in 1989, drug testing and employee assistance programs (EAPs) were subjects discussed at trade meetings Goche attended. Goche obtained further information from the Oregon Small Business Council and drafted his own policy statement. At a meeting sponsored by the Pacific Printing Industries (PPI), an affiliate of Printing Industries of America, members were polled about their interest in starting an EAP and in soliciting bids from EAP providers. Goche's company, along with 13 other PPI member companies (representing a total of 400 employees) chose to pursue implementing an EAP.

Their solicitation brought in 15 proposals from EAP providers. A firm was selected by PPI's board of directors, and by August 1990, the EAP was in place. In 1991, the association EAP covered 14 businesses, ranging in work force size from 18 to 190, with a total of 736 employees.

Drug testing at Rapid Bind began in May 1991. The policy mandates pre-employment testing and for-cause testing in cases such as on-the-job injury and "for reasonable suspicion." Goche elected not to do random testing. From May 1991 through July 1993, Rapid Bind has not had a positive pre-hire test result, nor has it conducted for-cause testing.

The annual cost for the EAP at Rapid Bind is about $2.00 per month per employee. Fees for drug testing are additional.

To assist other small businesses like his, Goche accepted the chairmanship of the Oregon Small Business EAP Advisory Committee, which is encouraging small businesses throughout the state, especially in rural areas, to form a consortium to provide EAP services to their employees.