Some West Virginia counties are set to receive state and federal money to help combat the substance abuse epidemic.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced Aug. 23 a statewide plan to fight the increasing problem by dedicating $7.5 million in state money to establish or expand regional substance abuse support services.
Earlier this year, the Governor's Advisory Council on Substance Abuse joined six regional task forces in advising the funding of local, regional and statewide service programs as part of a broader plan to address drug abuse. The funding recommendations include establishing or expanding the following services:
n In Region 1, a crisis stabilization unit/detoxification unit and a women's regional recovery unit. Region 1 serves Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel counties.
n In Region 2, Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment, or SBIRT, services, as well as a women's treatment and recovery facility in the Potomac Highlands region. Region 2 serves Morgan, Berkeley, Jefferson, Mineral, Hampshire, Grant, Hardy and Pendleton counties.
n In Region 3, a child and adolescent treatment facility. This would serve Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Ritchie, Wirt, Calhoun, Roane and Jackson counties.
n In Region 4, SBIRT services in Randolph, Harrison and Braxton counties, as well as intensive outpatient treatment in Randolph and Tucker counties, two recovery coaches in each of Monongalia, Marion, Preston, Taylor, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Gilmer, Braxton, Barbour, Tucker, Upshur and Randolph counties.
n In Region 5, SBIRT services in Logan and Mingo counties providing regional coverage, a women's treatment facility with outpatient services available for men and women in Logan, Mingo and Boone counties. Region 5 serves Cabell, Kanawha, Mason, Putnam, Clay, Wayne, Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties.
n In Region 6, a detoxification and stabilization unit, as well as SBIRT services. Region 6 serves Fayette, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Webster, Nicholas, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, McDowell, Mercer and Wyoming counties.
In the next few months, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources will solicit bids to establish and expand these services.
In addition to the state grant, Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall counties will also receive federal money through the Drug-Free Communities Support Program.
Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., represents those counties and announced the $375,000 award Aug. 23.
The Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Program, Brooke-Hancock Drug Prevention Coalition and Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition will each receive $125,000.
The DFC Program provides grants to communities that promote drug prevention efforts among their residents.
"The best way to prevent substance abuse is by educating people about the extent of the problem and by supporting professionals on the front lines," McKinley said. "This funding will help our communities accomplish this."
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