CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey announced more than $1.7 million in federal funding for two initiatives designed to help West Virginians recover from substance use disorder find employment, remain in the workforce, and build a more secure financial future.
“Overcoming addiction is a tremendous accomplishment, but recovery also means having the opportunity to rebuild your life,” said Governor Morrisey. “These investments will help more West Virginians get back to work, earn a steady paycheck, and support their families. That’s good for our workforce, our communities, and the future of our state.”
Lauren’s Wish CAREERS Program will receive $211,700 in Appalachian Regional Commission funding to serve individuals leaving residential treatment or entering sober living in Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Preston, and Taylor counties.
The program will provide career counseling, job readiness training, employment placement assistance, and connections to education and trade certification programs. Participants will also receive help overcoming barriers to employment, including transportation, identification documents, and work supplies.
The Governor also announced a $1.5 million award to Ascension Recovery Services (ARS) through West Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program (WV RHTP) under the Health to Prosperity (HTP) initiative.
The Ascension program will deploy a Return-to-Work program designed to help West Virginians who have lost their jobs – or are at risk of losing them – due to substance use disorder re-enter the workforce and maintain long-term employment.
It will serve Monongalia, Marion, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Raleigh, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, while working directly with employers to help prevent job loss.
“The Trump Administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program is helping states like West Virginia turn bold plans into action with innovative, locally driven solutions,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This historic investment is helping rural communities strengthen their health systems, improve health outcomes, and create more opportunities for people to live healthier, more productive lives.”
The $1.5 million award is part of the nearly $200 million West Virginia received through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to improve health outcomes, expand access to care, and strengthen workforce participation.
“When someone gets healthy, returns to work, and begins supporting their family, it creates a virtuous circle,” said Governor Morrisey. “Better health leads to greater workforce participation, stronger communities, and more financial security for families. That’s how we build a stronger, more affordable West Virginia.”
As Attorney General, Morrisey helped secure more than $1 billion in opioid settlements and establish the West Virginia First Foundation to support efforts addressing the state’s addiction crisis.
The Appalachian Regional Commission funding is provided through its INSPIRE initiative, which supports workforce recovery efforts in communities affected by substance use disorder.
This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of the financial assistance award totaling $199,476,098.72 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.
