Jacksonville, Fla. (March 1, 2023) – Lakeview Health is one of the first companies in the addiction treatment industry to offer paid parental leave to primary caregivers and their supporting spouse. The policy update, which went into effect in January, provides Lakeview Health employees with up to 12 weeks of paid time off to bond with and care for their new child.

Jamie Stevens, Lakeview Health CEO, says the new policy is part of the treatment center’s goal of providing holistic support for employees. “As a leadership team, we wanted this new policy to show our support and appreciation to our employees while highlighting our values as a family-first organization,” said Stevens.

While certain criteria must be met, this policy is available to all full-time Lakeview Health employees who have worked for the company for a year or more. Under the new program, birthing mothers and primary caregivers are eligible for 12 weeks of paid leave while supporting spouses are eligible for four weeks of paid time off. This time off is available to those who are expanding their family by adoption, birth, or fostering a child.

New data shows that the share of employers offering paid maternity leave beyond what is required by law dropped to 35% this year, down from 53% in 2020, according to the Society for Human Resource Management.

“As a mental health organization, our employees’ well-being is of the utmost importance to us. We believe that this policy will provide parents with time to adjust to their new family dynamic while welcoming a new child,” said Sara Holt, Director of Human Resources for Lakeview Health.

For more information about employment opportunities at Lakeview Health, please visit: /about-lakeview-health/career-opportunities/