Sherri A. Young, D.O., MBA, FAAFP Cabinet Secretary at West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources | Official website
Sherri A. Young, D.O., MBA, FAAFP Cabinet Secretary at West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources | Official website
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), along with the Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) and the Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP), has reported ongoing success in reducing overdose deaths within the state. This announcement coincides with the unveiling of their 2025-2030 One State One Vision West Virginia Substance Use Primary Prevention Strategic Plan, which aims to continue and expand these efforts.
"Every life saved is a victory for West Virginia," stated Dr. Stephen Loyd, Director of the DoHS Office of Drug Control Policy. He emphasized that the progress reflects the dedication of partners and a commitment to tackling the opioid crisis through prevention and treatment strategies.
Data shows a 36% decrease in overdose deaths from January to June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Even with some cases still pending, officials expect no less than a 29% reduction. Additionally, figures for the year ending July 2024 reveal a 22.6% decline in drug overdose deaths, surpassing the national average decrease of 16.9%. This highlights the effectiveness of West Virginia's focused strategies on prevention, treatment, and recovery.
"This decline equates to 256 lives saved – 256 individuals who are still with their families and communities," said Christina Mullins, Deputy Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders at DoHS. She noted that these numbers represent more than statistics; they reflect people who have another chance at life.
To sustain this progress, DoHS introduced its One State One Vision West Virginia Substance Use Primary Prevention Strategic Plan. The plan builds on existing successes by implementing new data-driven strategies aimed at combating substance use disorder (SUD) and further reducing overdose deaths. Key elements include strengthening evidence-based prevention programs, establishing comprehensive data systems, fostering collaboration, increasing investments in prevention infrastructure, and developing unified messaging for awareness and education.
"This plan represents a forward-thinking approach to prevention by using data and evidence to guide every decision we make," said Nicholas Stuchell, Interim Commissioner of DoHS Bureau for Behavioral Health. He highlighted that enhanced collaboration and investment will support more West Virginians in living healthy lives free from substance use.
For further details on BBH’s strategic plan, visit helpandhopewv.org/prevention-plan.