CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced Wednesday his office is partnering with the West Virginia School of Nursing to raise awareness about opioid abuse prevention.
The collaboration will focus on sharing prevention information with eighth grades in Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Preston and Wetzel counties. The counties were selected because of their proximity to Morgantown, though the project may be expanded in the future
“We appreciate the opportunity to work with such a first-class operation on this important issue,” Morrisey said in a statement. “Educating students about the dangers of prescription drug abuse is crucial to building a better future for West Virginia.”
“Education is critical in helping to address addiction issues in our state and by providing our communities, including our schools, with tools and resources, we hope to continue to raise awareness on this important healthcare issue,” said Toni DiChiacchio, assistant dean of faculty practice and community engagement at the WVU School of Nursing.
The Attorney General’s office will plan and organize events to schools, while nursing students will give a presentation on the opioid epidemic, drug prevention and the long-term impact of drug use.