November 05, 2019

Manchin, Capito Announce More Than $227K To Address Infectious Disease Consequences Of The Opioid Crisis

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $227,381 in funding through the Health and Human Resources (HHS) Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). Funding will be used to address infectious disease consequences of the opioid crisis, such as HIV or Hepatitis, in West Virginia through increased testing and linkage to care.

“West Virginia has been hit the hardest by the opioid epidemic and the effects of this crisis are seen in every county, community, and family across our state. I have always been a supporter of programs that help address the consequences of the opioid epidemic, such as the spread of infectious diseases. By providing treatment and testing, we can work towards a healthier West Virginia and begin to recover from the opioid epidemic. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for funding that will help West Virginia recover from this terrible crisis,” said Senator Manchin.

“The rising numbers of cases of HIV and Hepatitis in communities most-highly affected by the opioid crisis are a serious concern. I’ve been monitoring the situation closely, and this funding from HHS will help our state better understand how these viruses are spreading and how we can prevent further cases,” Senator Capito said.