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NEWS RELEASE

Drugs: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Akron, Ohio, June 6, 2000-Weary of spending $100 billion annually for substance abuse repairs, 97 percent of America's largest companies drug test employees. But they need faster test results for better hiring, and more reliable options than easy-to-alter urine tests, fraught with privacy issues. An answer surfaced Monday when a new drug lab alliance opened with a twist: 24-hour turn-around hair and urine tests, bolstered by custom workplace security planning.

The first hair-test lab located in the eastern states, one of a handful in the nation, Omega Laboratories, Inc. has linked with security pros SACS Consulting & Investigative Services, Inc. to form Workplace Solutions Group. SACS specializes in security training, background checks, industrial espionage and drug policies. Other companies consult for one-stop employment resources.

Omega Labs president John C.Vitullo, Ph.D, says corporations need a legal leg up in hiring/firing procedures. He says the alliance gives companies the strongest teeth yet for controlling workplace drugs, crime and productivity. "Hair testing, in conjunction with training and security planning, is the most reliable, non-invasive deterrent to illicit drug use among employees to date. A drug-free workplace is highly achievable." Vitullo said. Reportedly, drugs in the hair shaft cannot be adulterated and provide longer histories than urine.

The American Civil Liberties Union has urged alternatives to urine tests, yet burgeoning workplace accidents and violence indicate controls are needed. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse says "negligent hiring" lawsuits are increasing. SACS president Timothy A. Dimoff cites the example of a tow motor driver who crushed and killed a co-worker while on drugs. "Employers lack manpower and expertise in handling the ever-widening backlash from substance abuse. We fill in dozens of operations-threatening gaps," he said.

Media Kit available. Contact: John Vitullo, Omega Labs, 330-628-5748 or Timothy Dimoff, SACS Consulting, 330-255-1101 or www.omegalabs.net and www.sacsconsulting.com for information.