W.Va. Ponders Demand-Side Drug Policy

In the wake of reports that "drug and alcohol abusers consume $470 million a year in West Virginia funds through such direct costs as hospitalization, treatment and incarceration," state lawmakers are considering focusing on prevention and intervention to stanch such bleeding.

Advocates of this approach met Monday with Manchin administration officials, and also outlined proposals at a legislative interim meeting in the House Chamber.

The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington reports on an effort to build substance abuse recovery center in that city, as model for other communities in the state.

"We can continue to talk, but the next step in this process has to involve assembling a funding plan and identifying a location to build this facility," Bob Hansen said in the article.

Hansen is CEO of Prestera Center and chairman of the Four Angels Project, "the name that community members have given their effort to build a long-term substance abuse recovery center."

As part of its ongoing coverage of the prevention angle, the Herald-Dispatch also notes Thursday's planned summit of the Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

The Charleston Gazette has also had a recent article on the topic.