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W. Va Launches first 24-Hour Statewide Substance Abuse Hotline
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – West Virginia is launching its first 24-hour statewide substance abuse call line.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced the launch of 844-HELP4WV Wednesday. The service will provide information about specialized treatment and recovery services.
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources will join First Choice Health Systems to run the hotline. The call line will also provide services to people battling other behavioral health issues, including suicide and depression.
The West Virginia company has run the state’s Problem Gambler Help Line for more than 15 years.
No callers will be placed on hold. They will immediately connect with staff to determine the best treatment.
West Virginia has the overdose death rate in the U.S., according to a report by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.