CHARLESTON, W.Va. (The Hinton News)– Governor Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $1.5 million for four initiatives designed to help West Virginians recovering from substance use disorders improve health outcomes, overcome employment barriers, and return to work.
Download and watch the Governor’s announcement here.
“West Virginia has fought a long and difficult battle against substance abuse, and we cannot afford to lose another generation to addiction,” said Governor Morrisey. “Recovery means giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives. When we help someone get healthier, develop new skills, and find meaningful employment, we’re strengthening families and giving more West Virginians a chance to build a better future.”
The $1,486,500 in awards includes $1,236,500 through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and $250,000 through West Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program. The investments will connect individuals in recovery with healthcare services, workforce training, transportation assistance, and employment opportunities that support long-term recovery and economic independence.
The awards include:
- United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties – $500,000
RecoveryWorks Appalachia will serve 100 individuals with substance use disorders and other barriers to employment through recovery support, housing assistance, job training, and paid work experience. Its Work Bank program will provide transitional employment opportunities, with a target of helping 70 to 75 participants enter employment or advanced training.
- Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative – $499,500
The DRIVE initiative will help individuals in recovery overcome transportation barriers to employment through vehicle repair assistance, expanded vehicle donation services, CDL training, and workforce support. Working with Mountain State Jobs & Hope, the West Virginia Military Authority, Good News Mountaineer Garage, WorkForce West Virginia, and employer partners, the program is expected to serve approximately 220 workers and trainees across all 55 counties.
- Williamson Health & Wellness Center – $250,000
The Rural Health Transformation Program award will expand the center’s New Heights recovery-to-work program in Mingo County, connecting adults in recovery with mobile peer recovery coaches, job training, transportation assistance, and local employer partnerships to support long-term workforce reentry and job retention.
- West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps – $237,000
The SERVE initiative will provide workforce readiness training, industry-recognized certifications, and hands-on construction experience for approximately 45 individuals recovering from substance use disorders. Serving Nicholas, Fayette, Kanawha, Mason, Raleigh, and Webster counties, the program will connect participants with employment and apprenticeship opportunities through home repair and community development projects.
The investments complement West Virginia’s Mountain State Jobs & Hope initiative and the state’s broader efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and increase workforce participation. Through the Rural Health Transformation Program, the Morrisey administration is working to address health challenges that keep West Virginians out of the workforce while expanding access to the services that help individuals lead healthier, more productive lives.
Since October 2025, West Virginia has announced approximately $96 billion in private-sector investment representing more than 19,000 projected jobs. The state’s tourism industry generates $9.4 billion in economic impact, welcomes approximately 80 million visitors, and supports more than 61,000 jobs.
“We’re seeing tremendous economic opportunities across West Virginia, and we need more people ready and able to fill those jobs,” said Governor Morrisey. “Better health leads to greater workforce participation, and greater workforce participation strengthens our economy. These investments will help people overcome addiction, earn a paycheck, support their families, and take part in West Virginia’s economic growth.”
The initiatives will work with recovery organizations, healthcare providers, workforce development agencies, and employers to help participants secure and maintain employment while addressing challenges that can prevent successful long-term recovery.
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.
