West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey ( center ), West Virginia First Foundation Chairman Matthew Harvey ( left ) and Vice Chairman Dr . Matthew Christiansen . Photo by John Mangalonzo .
Even though the WVFF will play a significant role in restoring families and saving lives , the responsibility cannot land solely on the foundation and local governments .
“ There ’ s going to have to be some initiative and cooperation from everybody in this state ,” Harvey says , “ I know we can do it , and I know everyone is ready to stand together as partners on this journey .”
Countless West Virginians have already been taking the initiative to help make a difference .
“ Since my election to the fourth district of the WVFF , and the nearly 400,000 residents represented in its 13 counties , it has been an honor to meet incredible people throughout the state ,” says Board . “ From large hospital systems in city centers , rural health departments and peer recovery teams operating out of their own homes , to first responders , officers , food pantries and those offering housing , counseling and basic hygiene care , they all give so much — and often , that starts with a shoulder to cry upon . Let ’ s be clear , it is the noble people who selflessly give their time and their very lives to those who need it most that must be celebrated and supported . I am privileged to be their voice and their champion and wholeheartedly endorse their beautiful , singular cause : healing .” In communities across the state , it is clear there are individuals and groups already dedicated to making a profound impact in this ongoing crisis , and now , the WVFF will have the opportunity to make significant transformations in innumerable lives as well .
“ Now , we have a little bit of hope and the resources to fight back ,” says Harvey . “ I think we can save lives . We can restore families . How we do that is through developing initiatives and funding successful programs that will help families . We can get people stable in their lives , and they can start a family , go to work , support themselves and their families and be contributing members of society . There is no doubt in my mind that this foundation can help do that .”
The plague of substance use disorder and the shattered lives it has caused cannot be cured overnight ; however , West Virginia can hold tight to the viable hope that with the calculated distribution of settlement funds and the continued dedication of the WVFF and West Virginians , both prevention and healing can begin at a scale the state has never seen before . •