Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced that his Advisory Council on Substance Abuse has presented its year-end report. The report includes policy and program recommendations for consideration by State lawmakers for the upcoming Legislative Session.
“First, I want to thank each member of the Advisory Council for being dedicated to fighting the substance abuse epidemic. I truly value their hard work,” Gov. Tomblin said. “Since coming together in 2011, we’ve taken numerous productive steps to rid our state and our families from the heartache and dangers substance abuse brings to our hometowns. I appreciate the Advisory Council’s recommendations on the next step in our plan of action.”
The report submitted to the governor addresses regional projects completed and comprehensive legislation passed by legislators during the 2012 session. The report also outlines new funding for expansion of substance abuse services awarded in all six regions of the State and speaks to the strategic action plan that has been implemented. The progress of the Advisory Council and Regional Task Forces since their inception in September 2011, through Executive Order, is detailed in the December 2012 report. Recent national data show a decrease in prescription drug misuse among those aged 12 years or older in West Virginia for the first year since 2008. View the data by clicking here.
The overall 2013 recommendations of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Substance Abuse include maintaining existing successful substance abuse programs, continuing efforts to develop community-based after-treatment recovery supports, encouraging on-going efforts of substance abuse prevention coalitions, addressing emerging issues related to drug “take back” programs and proper disposal of collected drugs. The report also addresses the implementation of legislation, local ordinances and statewide policy changes related to prevention, early intervention, enforcement, treatment and recovery efforts.
View the entire GACSA report online by clicking here.
