WASHINGTON (WV News) — The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Clinic Inc. in Lewisburg is receiving $1 million in federal funding for a program that aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality of substance use disorder, including opioid use disorder, in rural communities.

The money goes to the School of Osteopathic Medicine Clinic’s RCORP-MAT Access Program.

The program is designed to establish new MAT — medication assisted treatment — access points, as well as increasing the capacity of sustainable MAT service provision in rural areas, according to the Office of U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

“The addiction crisis continues to impact far too many through a multitude of factors. As a result, our response must be direct and individualized based on the needs and challenges that specific communities face. I am glad to see HHS invest in this program that aims to help those struggling with substance abuse disorder through services available at our West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. This funding will strengthen treatment available at WVSOM and help put West Virginians on a path to recovery and ultimately reach their full potential,” Capito said.