MEGAN BEVINS
How the West Virginia First Foundation Spearheads Recovery
A Q & A with Jonathan Board
The West Virginia First Foundation ( WVFF ) is the initiative dedicated to addressing substance use disorder and the broader public health crisis currently affecting the state of West Virginia . Formed to strategically manage and distribute the settlement funds from litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors , the WVFF serves as a crucial piece in the fight for combating the ongoing opioid epidemic and fostering recovery and resilience .
The WVFF operates as a nonprofit organization , ensuring the funds are used effectively to benefit the people of West Virginia . Its mission is to distribute these resources to a variety of programs and services that help alleviate the impacts of substance use , improve public health outcomes and strengthen community support .
At the forefront of these efforts stands Jonathan Board , whose experience spans over two decades , during which he has held key roles in state and federal health policy and leadership positions in social services and health care systems . Board was named executive director of the WVFF in March , having previously served on the foundation ’ s board of directors representing Region 4 . His commitment to public service and his intimate understanding of West Virginia ’ s unique challenges equip him to guide the foundation forward .
WVE : You were recently named executive director of the WVFF . What does it mean to you to take on this important role ?:
JB : It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to answer the calling of our generation — combatting West Virginia ’ s substance use disorder and public health crisis . It is our duty not only to those we have lost but to future generations to help this state heal meaningfully .
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