CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Office of Drug Control Policy announced Monday it awarded a grant to Prestera Center for the purpose of establishing a Quick Response Team program in the Kanawha Valley.
The $263,000 grant will go toward creating a body with local law enforcement and health care facilities that are focused on addressing overdoses and getting people into treatment centers.
The quick response team will also be responsible for conducting follow-ups with survivors within 72 hours in order to suggest support networks in the region.
Department of Health and Human Resources Secretary Bill Crouch said he would like to have a response program in all major cities in the state.
“The expansion of outreach services such as the Quick Response Team is critical to curbing West Virginia’s drug epidemic,” he said. “Measures to reverse overdoses and arrange treatment in a collaborative and timely manner are essential as DHHR’s Office of Drug Control Policy implements the State’s Opioid Response Plan.”
Prestera Center will be responsible for creating a program with Charleston Comprehensive Treatment Center, the Charleston Police Department, the Charleston Fire Department EMS, Highland Hospital and Thomas Health.