Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced Friday Change Inc. in Weirton will receive $370,204 to improve and expand substance abuse services.
The senators said Change Inc. and four other community health centers in West Virginia will be awarded a total of more than $1.7 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The funding will help health centers better address the substance abuse treatment needs in their communities, with a focus on treating opioid use disorders.
The other community health centers receiving funding are Valley Health Systems Inc. in Huntington, Cabin Creek Health Center Inc. in Dawes, Womencare Inc. in Scott Depot and Community Care of West Virginia in Rock Cave.
"Expanding treatment options for those struggling with addiction is one of the biggest challenges we face in the fight for a drug-free West Virginia. Community health centers serve one in five West Virginians and could see an influx of patients because of the drug epidemic. I have and will continue to ensure that West Virginia receives the resources it needs to combat the devastating drug epidemic," Capito said.
Manchin also sees the federal aid as crucial to battling the drug abuse problem in the state. West Virginia has the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the nation.
"The opioid epidemic has ravaged our state and it is critical we improve and expand services in West Virginia to effectively treat and address opioid addiction," Manchin said. "This funding will ensure our health centers have the necessary tools and resources to better address the substance abuse treatment needs within their communities. We must continue to do everything in our power to stem the tide of substance abuse and this funding is crucial in our fight."