From the Hill to the Mountains

Renewing the Opioid Health Emergency Declaration

On January 12, I sent a letter to President Trump urging him to renew the opioid public health emergency declaration because of little action since its original declaration in October. Read the full letter below:

'Dear Mr. President,

The opioid epidemic is devastating our country and it is only growing worse. Newly released data from the CDC shows that we lost more than 42,000 people to an opioid-related overdose in 2016. That’s a 28% increase in overdose deaths compared to 2015 and a five-fold increase since 1999. Put another way, we lost more than 115 people every day in 2016 to opioids. That is why it is critical that we immediately take every possible step and use every tool at our disposal to work to end this crisis.

On October 26, 2017, you declared a public health emergency with the goal of mobilizing federal resources and strengthening the federal response to the opioid epidemic. This emergency declaration expires on January 23, 2018. Unfortunately, we have seen too little action taken relative to the magnitude of the problem and urge you to immediately renew the opioid public health emergency declaration and to work with us to push for substantial funding to address the opioid crisis as part of the upcoming budget deal and omnibus negotiations.

Federal funding supports efforts to help stop the epidemic at every level. It is needed to prevent addiction, provide treatment to those with substance use disorders, fund overdose reversal treatments and harm mitigation efforts, strengthen law enforcement, and support efforts to care for the many children who are the unwitting victims of this disease.

That is why it is critical that we work together to provide every federal agency with the resources that they need to help our states overcome opioid use disorders. Too many in our communities are losing their lives, families, and futures to opioids and we need to be doing everything humanly possible to help them.

We hope that you will immediately renew the opioid public health emergency and work with us to fight for the federal funding needed to adequately address this crisis.'

On the Road

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday we honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of our nation’s most influential and inspiring leaders of all time. I was especially proud to join those celebrating at the State Capitol for the annual bell-ringing ceremony. Although Dr. King’s life was sadly cut short, he made a lasting and powerful impact on our country by helping millions of Americans fight discrimination and segregation and by peacefully fighting racial injustice. The revolutionary movement that he led was not only about civil rights, but was also about changing society for the better and instilling unity, love and forgiveness in all of our communities. He inspired communities across our country to improve and make a difference for others and that spirit still lives on in millions of Americans today. As we remember his life and his legacy, I want to remind all West Virginians that we are all capable of making a difference. We can all take meaningful action through helping our neighbors, volunteering for a cause near and dear to your heart, performing an act of community service, and using Dr. King’s values in everyday life.

West Virginia Fairs and Festivals Association Annual Convention and Pageant

Last weekend, I was so happy to join all of those representing the West Virginia Fairs and Festivals Association for their annual convention and pageant at the Charleston Civic Center. Our fairs and festivals showcase the best of our wonderful state. Thanks to all the volunteers and organizers who make them such a wonderful success.

West Virginia Spotlight

I had the honor of calling Martha Wilt, World War II Veteran, on January 11th to wish her a very happy 100th birthday.

Do you have a nomination for a Spotlight Feature? Click here to inform my office.

How May We Help You?

I truly appreciate the opportunity to hear from West Virginians. As your U.S. Senator, I am proud to be your voice with government agencies during your time of need. My goal is to provide top-notch customer service for every West Virginian who contacts me, or who may need help. I have a team of caseworkers in each of my four offices to help you with matters of concern. While I have no direct jurisdiction in the administrative matters of any federal, state, or local agency, I welcome the opportunity to assist you with whatever problem you may be experiencing and ask that full consideration be given to your case.

Recently my office was able to help John Sulick, a 100% service-connected Vietnam Veteran who contacted my office for assistance with his medical care at the Clarksburg VAMC. Kim Berry, caseworker, in my Fairmont office was able to work with the VA on his behalf. After the congressional inquiry was made to the VA Congressional Liaison Services, Mr. Sulick has now been referred to WVU Hospitals for surgical consultation, rather than having to travel to Pittsburgh. He is also being assisted with an additional congressional inquiry for home health services.

If you need help with the IRS, VA, Social Security, Black Lung benefits, or recognition, please let me know.

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