CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday announced more than $1.8 billion for states and territories related to the nationwide opioid crisis.
The funding includes money from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to help track overdose data and grants for states to support prevention, treatment and recovery services.
West Virginia will receive $7.4 million from the CDC and $28 million in grant funding.
“This additional money, as part of the State Opioid Grant, will allow additional treatment and recovery services for those suffering from a substance use disorder and will assist in expanding access to Medication Assisted Treatment and related services throughout our state. West Virginia appreciates the continued support and funding from the Trump administration to combat the opioid crisis,” said Bill Crouch, the secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin said they worked to change language in the funding package so states like West Virginia, which have had a high rate of overdose deaths, would receive a larger share of the money available.
The efforts paid off, Capito said.
“Making sure these funds are available is one of my top priorities as a member of the Appropriations Committee, but it’s even more important to me that these funds are going to states like ours with the greatest needs,” Capito said in a statement released by her office Wednesday. “That’s exactly what my changes to the state grant formula make possible. I am glad to see this critical funding come to our state and will continue to advocate for these much-needed resources.”
Manchin also released a statement Wenesday afternoon focusing on the language change.
“This language more than tripled the amount of funding our state has received over the last two years. West Virginia is ground zero and we need all of the funding we can get to help those struggling with substance use disorder receive treatment and help heal from this crisis. This funding will go a long way and I will continue to fight to ensure West Virginia is getting our fair share of funding to fight this epidemic,” Manchin said.
U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., said the financial resources will be put to good use.
“Over the last several years we’ve heard constantly from medical professionals, law enforcement, and others on the front lines of this crisis that we need more resources for treatment and prevention,” he said. “West Virginia is the epicenter of the opioid crisis, and until recently was not getting its fair share of funding. I have worked to target federal resources to states that are particularly hard hit, like West Virginia. As a result, West Virginia has seen a five-fold increase in funding.”