MORGANTOWN — U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.,and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., on Monday announced $221,692 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for West Virginia University, according to a press release.

This funding will be used to support a study entitled “Assessing the Impact of Opioid Prescription Duration Limits,” and will help further WVU’s understanding on factors contributing to the opioid crisis, according to the release.

“As we continue to battle the opioid crisis in West Virginia, it is crucial that we support initiatives like this in our higher education institutions,” Capito said. “Improving our understanding of factors that contribute to substance abuse will increase the effectiveness of our relief efforts. During my time in Congress, I have been a staunch advocate for resources that will help West Virginia curb drug addiction. We must continue to battle the opioid crisis on all fronts and protect the people of our state from this terrible epidemic that has impacted all of us.”

Both Manchin and Capito are members of the Senate Appropriations Committee and commented on how such funding was important given West Virginia's struggle with the opioid epidemic.

“As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage West Virginia and our communities, we must work to better understand the effects of opioids on our family, friends, and loved ones,” Manchin said. “This funding will help West Virginia University understand the impact of opioid prescription duration limits on patients, increasing our knowledge of the effects of opioids on our community members. This fight is far from over, and I will continue to advocate for West Virginia and other states hit hard by the opioid epidemic to receive the support they need to address this crisis.”