When members of Congress returned to work after their summer break, West Virginians got a reminder there is someone working on their behalf, even when there isn’t much spotlight left to grab.
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R. W.Va., has been working on finding support for those trying to overcome some of our state’s biggest challenges.
To that end, her office announced Congressionally Directed Spending funds on the way for five regional projects.
Marshall University’s Center of Excellence for Recovery will get $1 million toward a wraparound model to serve children affected by parental substance use disorder. Lauren’s Wish Addiction Triage Center, Inc. in Kingwood will get $838,000 to “Provide a safe space for clients seeking and/or waiting for treatment for substance use disorder,” according to Capito’s office. Lily’s Place, Inc., in Huntington will get $395,000, to open a community resource center that will focus on medication assisted treatment, services for fathers, employment services, prevention, education and research. Jacob’s Ladder Assistance Fund, Inc. in Martinsburg will get $127,000 for parenting education for those in substance use treatment. And the Martinsburg Initiative, Inc. will get $200,987 to grow its partnership with WVU Medicine to expand access to addiction services and harm reduction.
“Whether it has been losing a loved one to an overdose or watching someone fall into the throes of addiction, the opioid crisis has affected far too many West Virginians,” Capito said. “Together, these CDS awards will help ensure that those struggling with addiction have an outlet for treatment that sets them on a path to recovery and that children in tough circumstances have more opportunities to reach their full potential. I have long-worked with organizations like the Martinsburg Initiative and Lily’s Place and seen firsthand the impactful work being done by these organizations and was proud to advocate for the support they need to and expand their missions.”
As ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, she’s in an excellent position to do that.
Granted, she’s not running for re-election this year. But while so many other politicians are seeking attention for purely self-serving reasons, it is encouraging to know that someone is still simply going to work — for us — in Washington, D.C.