The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that West Virginia has the highest rate of opioid-related deaths in the United States; also alarming, the state has a shortage of mental health professionals to provide treatment for people coping with addiction and recovery, according to West Virginia University expert Deanna Morrow.

 

“Through funding from the West Virginia State Opioid Response grant, the WVU School of Social Work is preparing social work scholars to work on the front lines of addiction treatment. We are also developing addiction training for community-based mental health professionals so that they can more fully deliver evidence-based interventions for treating addiction. Together, we will diminish the human and economic toll of addiction on West Virginia families and communities.” — Deanna Morrow, director, WVU School of Social Work

 

West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Search for an expert by name, title, area of expertise, or college/school/department in the Experts Database at WVU Today.

 

-WVU-

 

pp/07/22/19