September 26, 2011

Rahall, Rockefeller and Manchin Announce Federal Grant to Expand Substance Abuse Services

BECKELEY, W.Va. – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin III (both D-W.Va.), announced today federal funding has been awarded to expand substance abuse and mental health treatment services to women, children and families in southern West Virginia.

“Innocent lives are at stake every time an expectant mother abuses her body with drugs.  This funding helps turn tragic living into triumphal family life for parents and children alike.  Every family helped saves our communities tremendous costs,” said Rahall.  “This funding targets a 14 county region where intervention and prevention can be effective tools in assisting with this all too prevalent scourge on families and our towns and cities.”

“Too many people in West Virginia struggle with substance abuse, a problem that is compounded by inadequate access to appropriate treatment services,” said Rockefeller.  “This funding will work to combat substance abuse, including the growing problem of prescription drug abuse, and help more West Virginia families get the treatment they need and back on their feet.”

“Even though our economy is suffering, I know that employers are looking for workers who are drug-free,” Senator Manchin said. “The substance abuse crisis in our state needs to stop, so that people can get help with their addictions and move forward as productive members of our society. Programs like this help not only the addicts and their loved ones, but they also help rebuild our economy by creating new jobs and filling job vacancies."

FMRS Health Systems, Inc., has been awarded a $524,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services through its Center for Substance Abuse Treatment program.  FMRS, a behavioral health center, in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Health and Health Facilities, will expand its current specialized residential programs for men and women to open Turning Pointe for Families to serve women who are pregnant or postpartum and who have co-occurring substance use and mental disorders in a new, 16-bed residential facility in Beckley.  Turning Pointe expects referrals from 14 counties in the southern region of West Virginia and will serve 208 women with residential treatment and supportive services over the three-year grant period, and 330 children and other family members will be provided assessment, early intervention, treatment, educational and prevention services during the same timeframe.  An additional 7,300 women will be screened for substance use disorders in community-based primary care settings.  Turning Pointe will offer childcare and children’s services for children from birth to 17 years.