Manchin, Capito Announce Funding For Employment, Training Services To Combat Opioid Crisis

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $2,434,127 from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to WorkForce West Virginia. This funding will support job creation and workforce training services in Beckley, Bluefield, Charleston, Huntington, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Parkersburg, and Wheeling, which have each suffered significant social and economic impacts from widespread opioid use, addiction, and overdoses. State officials estimate the award will support the creation of jobs and provide workforce training for approximately 297 people.

“Every West Virginian has been impacted by the drug epidemic, and addressing this devastating epidemic head on continues to be one of my top priorities. Ensuring our workforce is equipped with the skills they need to manage substance use disorder, recovery and reintegration into the workforce is critical. I am pleased WorkForce West Virginia is receiving this funding to support job creation, workforce training and recovery resources in communities hit hard by this crisis. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for funding that helps address the impact of the drug epidemic on our workforce and communities,” Senator Manchin said.

“Every corner of our state has felt the impact of the opioid epidemic and addiction crisis. It has devastated too many of our families and torn apart too many of our communities. Funding like this is incredibly important to our recovery efforts, and helps emphasize community-based solutions that reintegrate people in recovery back into the workforce. We’ve seen how lockdowns and isolation have fueled overdose rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it underscores the critical work of community and peer networks. I look forward to seeing the difference this funding will make in the lives of nearly 300 individuals and so many more across our state,” Senator Capito said.