Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced the allocation of $1,362,795 in grant funding to eight projects across West Virginia aimed at addressing opioid, stimulant, and substance use issues. The grants are part of the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-based Program (COSSUP). The funds will support organizations in mapping community assets and identifying service gaps in targeted counties. They will also help increase referrals to substance use disorder treatment through Quick Response Team and Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Expansion (QLA-E) programs as alternatives or diversions for individuals at high risk for overdose or substance use.
“I am pleased to award these critical funds to organizations across the state helping West Virginians battle addiction,” said Governor Morrisey. “Recently, our state has seen a reduction in drug overdose deaths, and these organizations deserve a lot of credit for the work they are doing in their communities. But the work is not finished – we will continue fighting until we can end this epidemic in West Virginia.”
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and is administered by the Justice and Community Services Section of the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services.
Recipients include FRMS Health Systems Inc., which received $336,860 to expand its Quick Response Team in Raleigh County; Marshall University Research Corporation with $246,000 for scaling up QLA-E programs; Mid Ohio Valley Fellowship Home with $59,886 for community-based services supporting people on probation or parole; Rea of Hope Fellowship Home Inc., awarded $50,238 to maintain staff continuity; Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center receiving $231,853 to address insurance coverage gaps; Valley Comprehensive Community Mental Health Center with $105,304 for veterans’ diversion and peer services; Westbrook Health Services Inc., awarded $272,768 for regional program direction and recovery support specialists; and West Virginia Sober Living with $59,886.
