West Virginia
West Virginia trooper cars add QR codes to speed access to addiction treatment
CHARLESTON, W.Va (WCHS) — The West Virginia Angel Initiative is striving to provide easier access to addiction and treatment services statewide.
“We’re a direct partner with the West Virginia State Police and what the program is designed to do is provide confidential compassionate access for the people that they come across that are struggling with substance use a quick fast easy way to get into treatment,” program provider for HELP4WV Salwa Kirk said.
The Angel Initiative is being strengthened by partnering with West Virginia State Police, training new recruits and troopers to increase awareness of the mental health and addiction resources that are available statewide.
“We’ve seen a lot of engagement already and a lot of interest to be able to serve,” Kirk said.
She said recently, QR codes have been placed in troopers cars for people to scan to get these services with no delay, removing barriers to encourage more people to get help.
“The QR codes are a simple form that State Police can access when they do come across someone that needs treatment instead of a bunch of lengthy paper work,” she said.
She said last year, their calls totaled to almost 26,000 and they’re hopeful the QR codes will encourage more to reach out.
“It’s a way to get people these resources quick and a lot of times they’re connected with someone on the other end of the line that also has lived experience. We’re able to offer a passionate judgment-free zone to be able to confide in us,” she said.
If you are struggling with substance use disorder and want to connect to these services, call 1844-help, for a same day placement.
WHEELING, W.Va. — Wheeling is home to West Virginia’s first recovery program designed specifically for young adults, offering a new track aimed at people ages 18 to 24 who are working to overcome substance use disorders.
Youth Services System announced it will offer the recovery track at the McCrary Center in Wheeling for young adults dealing with opioid or stimulant use disorders. The program is designed to provide recovery-focused housing and support services, giving participants a safe, structured environment as they work toward long-term recovery and stability.
“Our transitional living program has been licensed by the Department of Human Services, as well as the Office of Health Facility Licensure. We also achieved the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residence certification so there will be a lot of oversight in this program. And we look forward to our continued work with them,” YSS CEO Jill Eddy said.
Youth Services System received a one-time grant through the West Virginia Bureau of Behavioral Health to help expand services and launch the new track in Wheeling.
“Research shows that the longer a person is provided a safe space while in recovery, the chances of their success in recovery and remaining sober is definitely increased,” Eddy said.
Services will include substance-free and MAT-friendly housing, peer recovery support, therapy, recovery planning, and overdose prevention education. The program also supports individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions and prioritizes high-risk and underserved populations.
More information about Youth Services System is available here.
BUCKHANNON, W.Va (WDTV) – WestCare West Virginia cut the ribbon for its Hope in the Mountains complex on 22 N. Locust Street. The new facility will treat men with substance abuse issues with the hopes of fighting the drug epidemic in West Virginia.
Each room in the complex includes 56 beds, a television set and clean bathroom. Stephen Wright spoke ahead of the ribbon cutting along with Buckhannon officials. He said this facility differs from others on how they approach treatment.
“We really focus on the individual and the individual needs and focus on their progress in the program versus a number of days that a person is in treatment. So it’s really individualized,” said Stephen Wright, chief operating officer of WestCare Appalachia. “So we still need aftercare, outpatient counseling, and those things. But this really gives an opportunity for an intervention to break that cycle for individuals struggling with addiction. Because lots of times they must be separated from the living circumstances that they’re in at that time.”
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A federal appeals court agreed to rehear West Virginia’s request to lift an injunction barring enforcement of state restrictions against drugmakers seeking to limit discounts to pharmacies under a federal program.
The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit granted Thursday West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey’s request to rehear en banc arguments over a preliminary injunction. All active judges in the court will review the case after a three-judge panel in March ruled to keep the state’s SB 325 temporarily blocked while litigation plays out over the law.
The court said the case is scheduled for oral argument …
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