CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia health offices have released a framework for addressing the drug crisis over the next three years, with an emphasis on treatment, access and improving options of care.
The state Department of Health and Human Resources, the Office of Drug Control Policy and the Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment unveiled the Substance Use Response Plan on Thursday, covering initiatives the state will take through 2022.
Robert Hansen, the director of the Office of Drug Control Policy, told MetroNews while the state had plans in the past, officials incorporated successful provisions into the new comprehensive approach.
“It reflects what has gone on in the past but also gives us a strong road map for the next three years,” he said.
Hansen said the plan focuses on four different areas: saving lives, access to care, “to flush out a continuum of services” and prevention.
“People with substance use disorders need access to care, so we have to continue building up our treatment system and expanding treatment options for people in all 55 counties,” he said.
“It’s not just short-term residential treatment programs, but there are recovery supports, better housing, employment opportunities like the Jobs and Hope program, and building out a full array of services to help people recover.”
The plan notes multiple dates for when state agencies want to accomplish certain goals. Hansen noted setting benchmarks makes the plan “more realistic” and holds agencies accountable.
“It gives us an eternal challenge to really accomplish these things,” he said.”Obviously, things are not going to be perfect, but we want to be successful.”
The Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment will be responsible for reviewing programs and making any necessary changes, while Hansen will lead collaborative efforts between state agencies, universities and other partners.