treat food addiction , post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) and other conditions , thanks to a $ 2 million supplemental appropriation approved during a recent special session of the West Virginia Legislature .
The funding will allow RNI to expand upon its current world-leading research using focused ultrasound technology to treat Alzheimer ’ s disease , substance use disorder and other conditions .
Ali Rezai , M . D ., executive chair of RNI , and WVU President Gordon Gee welcomed Governor Jim Justice , state lawmakers , and WVU academic and health system leaders to campus to make the official announcement .
“ I want to thank Governor Justice and our friends in the Legislature ,” Gee says . “ With their continued support , West Virginia University is on the cutting edge of patient care and neurological research .”
In a first in-human study published earlier this year in the New England Journal of Medicine and featured on the CBS News program “ 60 Minutes ,” the RNI research team showed that focused ultrasound in combination with anti-amyloidbeta monoclonal antibody treatment can accelerate the clearance of amyloid-beta plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer ’ s disease . The RNI team ’ s initial research has also demonstrated that focused ultrasound is safe and can reduce cravings and drug use in people with addiction .
The team hopes to use a similar approach to initiate clinical trials aimed at reducing cravings related to food addiction and reducing triggers and symptoms of PTSD for veterans .
Healthy Harrison Receives $ 70,000 to Share Uplifting Stories of Recovery
Healthy Harrison Incorporated is proud to announce the receipt of $ 70,000 in funding from the Harrison County Commission and the City of Clarksburg . These funds will support a groundbreaking initiative to inspire and uplift the community through motivational stories of recovery from substance use disorder .
West Virginia ’ s ongoing battle with the opioid epidemic has garnered national attention , with the state persistently ranking last in opioid-related deaths . However , Healthy Harrison is committed to transforming this narrative .
“ While our state leads the nation in opioid-related deaths , this statistic does not define us ,” says John Paul Nardelli , executive director of Healthy Harrison . “ We are a community rooted in values of family , friendship and support . We strive to be strong and healthy for ourselves , our loved ones and our communities .”
Starting in March 2025 , Healthy Harrison will feature a new success story each month . These inspiring accounts of recovery will be filmed at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center and distributed through the WV News Network , ensuring they reach audiences across the state . Each story will celebrate the strength and perseverance of individuals who have transformed their lives and serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles .
The funding provided by the Harrison County Commission and the City of Clarksburg underscores a shared commitment
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