An In-Depth Discussion On W.Va.'s Substance Use Recovery Efforts; Treatment, Support, Stigma

Over the last few years, West Virginia lawmakers have passed dozens of bills, creating policy and changing existing code, in an effort to respond to the state’s drug crisis. We take a closer look at that epidemic and at the work that continues to address it.

Earlier on Thursday, Bob Hansen, Director of the Office of Drug Control Policy, discussed the recently completed statewide response plan with the House Committee on Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse. We bring you a clip from that presentation.

Host Suzanne Higgins is joined by Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell, Chairman of the House Committee on Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP-reJuS1oQ

Higgins recently visited with Dr. James Berry, Director of Addiction Services at WVU Medicine. Dr. Berry is a member of Gov. Jim Justice’s Council on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment and shared an important perspective about treatment for, and treatment of, people living with substance use disorder.

For those struggling with an addiction or mental health issue, the West Virginia Department of Health and Humans Resources has a toll-free hotline to call. That number is 1-844-HELP4WV.

Friday on the Legislature Today, we’ll review the week here at the Capitol, and get an update on several of the issues we’ve been following, as well as a look-ahead to next week.