Governor Tomblin Highlights West Virginia's Substance Abuse Efforts at National Governors Association Meeting

Press Release

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin on Friday participated in a special plenary session, "Governors Unite Against the Opioid Crisis," and joined with 45 other governors to unveil the National Governors Association's (NGA) Opioid Compact at the association's summer meeting. The compact shares best practices and outlines a multifaceted and coordinated approach for combatting opioid use across the nation.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary and West Virginia native Sylvia Mathews Burwell spoke at the special plenary session where Governor Tomblin shared information on the HELP4WV initiative to showcase West Virginia's commitment to combatting substance abuse and helping individuals connect to addiction treatment services. To date, more than 1,700 intake calls have been received through the toll-free hotline, 1-844-HELP4WV.

"I'm proud that West Virginia has become a national leader in our country's efforts to combat substance abuse," said Gov. Tomblin. "And I'm glad to have had the opportunity to share our story with governors from across the nation."

Since 2011, Gov. Tomblin's Advisory Council on Substance Abuse (GACSA) has established regional task forces and enacted legislation to shut down pill mills and provided more than $29 million to enhance treatment services across the state. From a community-focused approach, GACSA has accumulated more accurate information to help shape critical policy recommendations for legislative and administrative reform.

Funded by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the HELP4WV initiative streamlines help for behavioral health issues through confidential support and resource referrals, including self-help groups, outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric care, emergency care and residential treatment. Resource referrals are based on callers' locations to provide the nearest help. Community-based treatment and recovery services have nearly doubled since 2013 as a result.

The HELP4WV hotline is provided through First Choice Services and provides immediate assistance for any West Virginian struggling with an addiction or mental health issue. Most phone calls are answered by peer-support specialists or recovery coaches who have personal experience in recovery.

In addition to those who need help themselves, HELP4WV provides guidance for those seeking help for loved ones and serves as a resource for social workers, medical professionals and others involved in care planning. For more information, visit HELP4WV.com.

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