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Drug prevention, 1st on Governor's priority list

Bluefield (WVVA) - Mountain State officials are trying to get the ball rolling on what Governor Joe Manchin says is his number-one priority.

The Governor's comprehensive and strategic plan to tackle drug abuse is just a dream right now, but with some help, it could become a $24 million reality.

"There's not any one sector or any one agency that can make a difference," says Carri Strunk of Fayetteville, "but it's going to take all of us."

West Virginians dish out almost $500 million in direct costs towards drug addiction each year and even more with indirect costs. With the price in mind, Governor Manchin wants to make an effort towards prevention.

"Look at what it's costing us in incarceration, let's look at what it's costing us in health care," says Manchin. "Look at all the costs that's directly associated with drug abuse and start weighing that out. It's such a high priority that I'm committed to making sure that we set this as the number-one funding mechanism."

Substance abuse costs the state an estimated $2 billion each year. And, for the first time in state history, all three branches of West Virginia government are coming together to tackle drug addiction. The governor's plan calls for the availability of prevention programs, improved recovery services and a better quality of services.

Manchin says, "This is what's going to change it. We're committed. This is the highest priority we have a state. If you want to have a state that can continue to diversify and meet the needs of the 21st century and provide opportunities in jobs, you better have a healthy and clean populous in the work force."

The plan would take almost $24 million and put it toward community projects, development and evaluation. And while it won't solve all of the problems, officials say it's a step in the right direction.