The U.S. Department of Justice awarded $6.5 million to expand telehealth services and harm-reduction resources within West Virginia's Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Sit-based Program, according to local NBC affiliate WTAP.
COAP is West Virginia's statewide program that supports innovative ways to promote substance abuse treatment and recovery. The grant has been issued by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and backs a three-goal strategy of early intervention and prevention, diversion and evidence-based treatment.
Part of the grant will aid the West Virginia Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, which provides community-based supportive services for cases involving low-level offenses related to drug possession. LEAD is supported by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
With the funding, COAP will roll out telehealth services as part of LEAD for residents of six West Virginia counties. The services include psychiatric evaluations, medication-assisted treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, treatment planning, counseling and peer recovery support services, according to the report.