When ACCU-Lab was founded, the intent was two-fold:

provide drug-testing services as a business; and serve as a resource to the community. Although still a young company, ACCU-Lab has programs in place to provide education, support and training to the community.

PRO-BONO TESTING

In an effort to protect and keep families together, ACCU-Lab provides pro-bono testing for several community social service programs. They include:

• My Sister's Keeper
A social service agency that works with drug-addicted mothers who have recently been released from prison.

• Ada S. McKinley Community Services Inc. Foster Care
ACCU-Lab helps to re-unite families torn apart by drugs. ACCU-Lab provides pro-bono services to the parents.

• East Garfleld REACH Case Management System
This agency has a mentoring program which pairs formerly addicted, now drug-free clients with mentorees still struggling with substance abuse. Mentors must be drug-free for at least a year to participate and remain drug-free to continue participating in the program. ACCU-Lab provides drug testing to the mentors free of charge.

SPEAKER'S BUREAU

The experience found in ACCU-Lab's staff encompasses a broad spectrum of expertise in forensic testing and management. ACCU-Lab created a Speaker's Bureau to serve as a resource to schools, community organizations, and institutions. Speakers are available to discuss topics such as technical careers, substance abuse, entrepreneurship and related areas.

DONATIONS

OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICES
"One Church, One Addict"

ACCU-Lab is the official representative of, and testing facility for Father George Clements, National Anti-Drug Initiative, "One Church, One Addict". ACCU-Lab has worked very closely with Father Clements over the years to help make this program a success.

CUSTOMERS

The nature of drug testing and the confidentiality issues involved precludes ACCU-Lab from disclosing its customer list. However, our current customers include public agencies and private corporations who use our forensic and diagnostic testing services for pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, random and "for cause" monitoring, and annual physicals. Complimentary services already in use by our customers are drug treatment counseling programs (through Employee Assistance Programs). Its customers perceive ACCU-Lab as accessible and user-friendly.

CASE STUDY

A local school bus company selected ACCU-Lab to perform pre-employment screening of applicants after having a less than satisfactory experience with another service provider. The company's president cites; among the benefits of her decision, ACCU-Lab's "fast response .. service at odd hours ... savings of 25% over previous costs... and someone who understands the needs of my business".

REFERENCES

Richard Weisskopf, Director
Illinois Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Thompson State of Illinois Center, 180 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60602
312-814-6380