CHARLESTON, W. Va. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D. W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $674,780 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs at Williamson Health and Wellness Center and Marshall University.

“Medication-Assisted Treatment is an evidence-based, effective treatment option for those struggling with addiction,” Senator Capito said. “At a time when we are losing more of our loved ones to drug overdoses than ever before, we need to increase access to all kinds of treatment in as many communities as we can. In Huntington, this grant funding will bring greater awareness about how MAT works, and how people with substance use disorder can benefit from it. For Williamson, this is welcome news because it means the health and wellness center will be able to expand its MAT program and get more Mingo County residents the help they need.”

“West Virginia continues to be ravaged by the drug epidemic. Last year alone, 1,377 West Virginians died from drug related overdoses, a drastic spike from 2019. Combatting this heartbreaking epidemic in every way possible has been a top priority of mine, and I am pleased HHS continues to invest in West Virginia for substance use disorder treatment and prevention. I will continue to fight for all resources to support West Virginians in need and address the drug epidemic in West Virginia,” Senator Manchin said.

Individual awards listed below:

  • $525,000 – Williamson Health and Wellness Center
    • This funding will help expand the MAT program in Mingo County.

 

  • $149,780 – Marshall University
    • This funding will support MAT education dissemination efforts in West Virginia.

 

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