Originally reported by WOWK 13 News – Jordan Mead
Charleston has over $5 million in opioid settlement funds—and the community is speaking up about where it should go. In a recent WOWK article, reporter Jordan Mead highlights a town hall meeting organized to spark public input, and shares the voice of Hannah Grubb, a Master of Social Work student and SOAR WV volunteer.
Grubb’s personal story is powerful: her sister, Jessie, struggled with substance use and eventually died after being discharged from a hospital with a high-dose opioid prescription—despite warnings from her family. Her story is a stark reminder of why harm reduction, recovery support, and housing are critical investments.
Grubb hopes to see funds used for:
- Recovery support
- Prevention and reentry programs
- First responder resources
- Permanent shelters for people who use drugs or are unhoused
“People need to constantly step up and realize that we have a voice… just by standing up for something that you believe in, then you can make a change in the world.” – Hannah Grubb
SOAR WV believes decisions about funding should be shaped by people closest to the issue—those in recovery, those actively using, and their loved ones. We’re proud to see our volunteers helping lead that conversation.
Got ideas for how this money should be spent? Let your voice be heard.
🔗 Read the full article on WOWK here.
📣 Got ideas for how this money should be spent? Let your voice be heard.
