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OPINIONS
Gayle Manchin: Prevention of substance abuse is essential for well-being of citizens
It seems that every day we hear or read about rising health care costs and the challenges of combating drug and alcohol abuse. These issues impose extraordinary costs for citizens.
The governor has spoken often about the importance of looking toward prevention to encourage people in their daily activities and enhance the quality of life for all. I thought it important to share some of the great opportunities we have right here in the Mountain State.
Each fall, the Share the Vision Conference brings together hundreds of prevention specialists to provide workshops, exhibits, keynote speakers and networking for community coalitions, professionals, educators, and state and local organizations. This year's conference will be at the Charleston Civic Center on Nov. 17 and 18.
A primary focus is prescription drug abuse, which has increased substantially in recent years. Obviously by working together, becoming more informed at the grassroots level, we can reduce the impact of substance abuse, dedicate more time and resources to prevention and intervention, thereby hopefully reducing catastrophic costs in lives and finances.
We know that because of substance abuse in our schools and in our communities, we are losing young people, destroying families and disrupting the possibilities of what "could have been" if these activities were prevented.
The West Virginia Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being is a diverse group of individuals from all agencies related in any way with "prevention." It was created through an executive order, and partners are appointed by the governor. Partners include representatives from state agencies, local nonprofits, public health, law enforcement, education, faith based groups and individuals from all walks of life. As a group, they have developed a new comprehensive strategic plan for substance abuse. In doing so, they have deeply explored the essential needs and structure of the state system, reviewed policy recommendations and now seek to implement a plan that fulfills their mission and goals.
They also have created an investment plan to make significant reductions in the social and financial burden these issues places on all West Virginians; more importantly, it encourages and explains how each of us, in our own unique role, can become involved at some level in the prevention system. We know that there is not a person in this state that has not been touched by the destructive force of substance abuse in some way -- a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor. It is at epidemic proportions and growing every day.
It is imperative that each of us get involved individually and collectively to take back our homes, schools and communities through early and sustained prevention endeavors.
Gayle C. Manchin is first lady of the state of West Virginia.
