Full Article by Leann Ray | West Virginia Watch
As West Virginia prepares to distribute over $1 billion in opioid settlement funds, questions are surfacing about who sits at the table—and whether those most impacted by addiction are represented.
The West Virginia First Foundation, a new nonprofit created to oversee the funds, is governed by an 11-member board. Critics have pointed out that 9 of the 11 appointees are white men, with little representation from people with lived experience, harm reduction advocates, or directly impacted communities.
In her article, Leann Ray includes a list of who would be better suited to serve on the West Virginia First Foundation and includes SOAR and some of its partners like Mountain State Harm Reduction, stating the need for harm reduction group representation.
“Those who work with people who have opioid addictions know what kind of help they need, and what things can possibly prevent opioid addiction.” — Leann Ray, WV Watch.
At SOAR, we believe decisions about overdose prevention, recovery, housing, and public health must be shaped by people with lived experience—not just officials and institutions. Representation matters when lives are on the line.
