West Virginia Opioid Settlement Funds Awarded to Community Organizations
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Investing in prevention and Advocacy
the Nicholas County Health Department received $150,436 to launch the Integrated community Engagement (ICE) Collaborative program. This evidence-based initiative,originating in iceland,aims to prevent substance use by providing young people with engaging alternatives to high-risk behaviors like outdoor activities,art,and music. “We’re really excited to see that the First Foundation has funded several primary prevention projects across the state and a variety of things to really see what’s working, what works well, what doesn’t work,” said Nicholas County Health Officer Dr. Anita Stewart. ” Dr. Stewart highlighted the program’s success in Fayette and Wyoming counties, where tobacco use has been cut in half and cannabis and e-cigarette use has decreased by 40%. The Nicholas County Health Department plans to hire an employee to oversee the ICE Collaborative and collaborate with schools and community leaders to ensure the program meets the specific needs of local youth. Another recipient, the West Virginia court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association, was awarded $279,812.91. CASA, a network of 400 volunteers, advocates for children involved in abuse and neglect cases, a sector heavily impacted by the opioid crisis. “Across the state we’re seeing a decline of children coming into foster care, but CASA programs were actually seeing the inverse of that. We’re seeing a stronger reliability or a larger ask for community advocates to be working with young people who have experienced abuse or neglect,” CASA State Director Shanna Gray said. this funding will enable CASA to expand its presence in West Virginia, supporting and strengthening its volunteer network to reach more children in need.Honoring the Past, Investing in the future
Dr. Stewart emphasized the importance of approaching these funds with careful consideration, recognizing the profound loss and hardship experienced by West Virginians due to the opioid crisis. ” “We need to be really thoughtful of why that funding is available and that many people lost their lives or their loved ones for this,” said Dr. Stewart. “to really honor the hardship and true sadness of what happened to our state, we really need to dig in and be respectful about these projects and try to have integrity and work really hard to honor those we’ve lost.” With $8.8 million remaining from the initial allotment, the West virginia First Foundation is encouraging previous applicants to reapply or refine their proposals. A full list of the initial grant recipients can be found on the West Virginia First foundation’s website.## Archyde Exclusive: West Virginia First Foundation Awards First Round of Opioid Settlement Grants
**(Anchorage, AK)** – Today, we speak with [Alex Reed Name and Title], representing the West Virginia First Foundation, about the exciting news of the first round of grant recipients from the state’s meaningful opioid settlement funds. Welcome to Archyde!
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde:** Let’s jump right in. The West Virginia First Foundation received an remarkable 174 applications for the first round of grants.
Can you tell us about the selection process and what made these 38 projects stand out?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Absolutely. The selection process was rigorous and involved a dedicated team reviewing each application against specific criteria. We prioritized projects that demonstrated a clear understanding of the unique challenges facing West Virginia communities in relation to the opioid epidemic.We looked for innovative approaches to prevention, treatment, and recovery, with a strong emphasis on community-based solutions and measurable outcomes. [[1](https://wvpublic.org/applications-open-for-first-round-of-w-va-opioid-settlement-grants/)]
**Archyde:** A total of $10.4 million was awarded in this first round. Given the scale of the opioid crisis in West Virginia,
how will these grants make a tangible difference?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Every dollar counts.These grants represent a crucial injection of resources for organizations working tirelessly on the ground. The funded projects will directly support a wide range of initiatives,from expanding access to naloxone and addiction treatment to establishing community recovery programs and supporting families affected by substance use disorder.
**Archyde:** It’s encouraging to see these state-allocated funds distributed directly to organizations fighting this fight on the front lines. What message would you like to send to other organizations working in this space?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** We want to encourage all organizations dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis in West Virginia to stay engaged. The West Virginia First Foundation is committed to being a valuable resource and partner. We plan to announce additional funding rounds, so please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates and application deadlines.
**Archyde:** Thank you for sharing this information with us and for the critical work the West Virginia First foundation is doing to combat this ongoing crisis.
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to work with so many dedicated individuals and organizations who are making a real difference in the lives of West virginians impacted by the opioid epidemic.
**(End Interview)**
## Archyde Exclusive: West Virginia Fights Back: First Round of Opioid Settlement Grants Awarded
**[INTRO MUSIC]**
**HOST:** Welcome back to Archyde, where we bring you the stories shaping our world. Today, we’re diving deep into a critical issue impacting communities across America: the opioid epidemic.
Specifically, we’re looking at West Virginia, a state hit particularly hard by this crisis, and how they’re using landmark settlement funds to fight back. With me today is Dr. Anita Stewart, nicholas County Health Officer, who is spearheading a program directly benefiting from these funds. Dr. Stewart, welcome to the show.
**DR. STEWART:** Thank you for having me.
**HOST:** Let’s start by setting the stage. West virginia has received a billion dollars from opioid settlements, and the West Virginia First Foundation is tasked with distributing these funds.Can you give us an overview of how these funds are being utilized?
**DR. STEWART:** Absolutely. These funds represent a real prospect for healing and recovery across West Virginia. The West Virginia First Foundation has been incredibly meticulous in its process, prioritizing projects that tackle prevention, treatment, and community support.
**HOST:** You’re leading a program receiving funding from this first round of grants. can you tell us about it?
**DR. STEWART:** We’re thrilled to be implementing the integrated Community Engagement, or ICE, Collaborative program in Nicholas County. This program, initially developed in Iceland, has shown incredible success in reducing substance use among youth by providing them with engaging alternatives, like outdoor activities, arts, and music.
**HOST:** it sounds like a proactive approach, focusing on prevention. Why is this approach significant, particularly in a state like West Virginia?
**DR. STEWART:** West Virginia has been incredibly hard-hit by the opioid crisis. we’ve seen the devastating impact on families and communities firsthand.prevention is key to breaking the cycle of addiction. By providing children and youth with positive alternatives and building resilience, we hope to shield them from the dangers of substance misuse.
**HOST:** This program has already seen success in other parts of West Virginia. Can you share some results?
**DR. STEWART:** We’ve seen remarkable progress in fayette and Wyoming counties where ICE was implemented. tobacco use has been cut in half, and cannabis and e-cigarette use has decreased by 40%. these are incredibly encouraging numbers.
**HOST:** It’s truly inspiring to see these tangible results. How will the grant funding be used to implement and expand the program in Nicholas County?
**DR. STEWART:** The funding will allow us to hire a dedicated staff member to oversee the ICE Collaborative. We’ll work closely with schools and community leaders to ensure the program is tailored to the unique needs of our youth.
**HOST:** Another organization benefiting from these grants is the West Virginia Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association. They focus on supporting children who have experienced abuse or neglect, a vulnerable group often disproportionately impacted by the opioid crisis. How important are these supports for these children?
**DR. STEWART:** It’s incredibly important. CASA advocates provide a vital lifeline for these children, ensuring their voices are heard in the legal system and they receive the support they need.
**HOST:** The road to recovery is long and complex. What message do you have for the people of West virginia and for communities across the country struggling with this crisis?
**DR.STEWART:** This settlement funding represents a chance to turn the tide on the opioid crisis. Let’s continue to support each other, invest in prevention and recovery efforts, and work towards a brighter future. Remember, there is hope, and we can overcome this challenge together.
**HOST:** Those are powerful words, Dr.Stewart. Thank you for sharing your expertise and for your tireless dedication to helping your community heal.
**[OUTRO MUSIC]**
**HOST:** For more facts about the West Virginia First Foundation and the recipients of these vital grants, visit their website. And remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help available.Reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). We’ll be right back on Archyde after the break.
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