WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin, both members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Monday, announced $5,583,112 for West Virginia through the U.S. Department of Justice.
Funding will support services for children adversely impacted by the opioid crisis and its related crime, as well as for those currently struggling with addiction. It will also support the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault crimes, and improve engagement with victims.
“Every corner of the Mountain State has been impacted by the opioid epidemic. Our families and communities need our support as we overcome this epidemic. I’m glad to see this significant investment in programs that do just that. On the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for these resources for West Virginians,” Manchin, D-W.Va. said.
Individual organizations and programs receiving funds include:
• $1,300,000 to the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services through the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program.
• $1,000,000 to the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services through the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.
• $920,308 to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources through the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program.
• $750,000 to the Child Protect of Mercer County, Inc. through the Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims program.
• $750,000 to the Marshall University Research Corporation through the Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims program.
• $549,726 to the Legal Aid of West Virginia through the Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims program.
• $313,078 to the Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center, Inc. through the Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims program.
“As we continue to give our men and women in law enforcement the tools they need to bring drug dealers and violent criminals to justice, we must also remember the innocent victims of crime who may be affected by illegal acts,” Capito, R-W.Va., said. “The opioid crisis has brought its own unique issues to West Virginia, and we have worked in Congress to support local leaders as they reach out to those struggling with addiction and their families. This funding is a step toward offering a more holistic response to this crisis and violent crime in general, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure West Virginia communities have the resources to respond to crime.”