CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosted Lawrence “Chip” Muir, general counsel and acting chief of staff for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), in Charleston today to highlight West Virginia efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and help individuals struggling with addiction.
Senator Capito led a roundtable discussion with Muir, public health officials, law enforcement and stakeholders involved in treatment, recovery and prevention efforts. Senator Capito and Muir also toured Rea of Hope and Recovery Point, local organizations providing recovery services, to highlight local solutions that could be expanded outside of West Virginia.
“This epidemic really is a crisis that touches communities across the country and affects people from all walks of life. Throughout West Virginia we have seen more than our fair share of its devastating consequences,” Senator Capito said at today’s roundtable. “The Office of National Drug Control Policy is critical to our efforts to combat the opioid crisis in West Virginia and across the country. Today’s visits were an opportunity for Chief Muir to see exactly what West Virginians are facing and why we need the administration’s full commitment to fight this epidemic.”
“This opioid epidemic has hurt too many families across the country, and that’s especially true here in West Virginia,” Muir said. “I’m glad we had the chance to hear from people who are working to address this crisis here in Charleston and around the state. Local leadership is a critical part of solving the opioid problem, and I’m glad that leaders across the state, including Senator Capito, are working hard to find solutions.”
ONDCP advises the president on drug control issues. Senator Capito has led the fight to maintain critical resources for addressing the opioid epidemic through ONCDP because, among other things, it administers two programs — the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) and Drug-Free Communities — that have been crucial in curbing drug addiction in West Virginia. Of West Virginia’s 55 counties, 20 participate in the HIDTA program.
Senator Capito welcomes ONDCP’s Chip Muir to Rea of Hope in Charleston.
U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.), Senator Capito, Rea of Hope Executive Director Marie Beaver and Muir (left to right) discuss the recovery services the organization offers.
Senator Capito and Muir lead a roundtable discussion on local efforts to fight the opioid epidemic.
Public health officials, law enforcement and stakeholders involved in treatment, recovery and prevention efforts discuss their work to combat the drug epidemic.
Recovery Point Executive Director Matt Boggs and Charleston Program Director Rachel Thaxton lead Senator Capito and Muir on a tour of Recovery Point Charleston.
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