§29-34-1. Short title; legislative findings; purpose.

(a) This article may be known and cited as the Recovery and Hope Act.

(b) The West Virginia Legislature finds that:

(1) The substance use disorder epidemic in the State of West Virginia has created a public health crisis, an economic crisis, and a social services crisis for our state;

(2) The State of West Virginia, through its various governmental branches and state agencies, offers several programs to assist the citizens of West Virginia battling substance use disorder, likewise, there are numerous programs offered by the federal government, local governments, and private entities to combat this epidemic; and

(3) Creation of the State Recovery and Hope Office is necessary to further the positive results of the Jobs and Hope Program implemented to date and to facilitate and coordinate the various programs offered through the State of West Virginia by and with the assistance of the legislative branch, the judicial branch, various federal agencies, local governments, community advocates, and private sector partners related to the prevention, treatment, and reduction of substance use disorder.

(c) It is the purpose of this article to create an office under the Office of the Governor to focus the comprehensive and coordinated statewide approach to provide West Virginians in need of treatment for substance use disorder with the support and assistance necessary to help provide assistance to combat addiction, as well as to assist those in recovery by providing them opportunities to obtain career training and to ultimately secure meaningful employment, thereby further bettering our people, our communities, and economic opportunities in this state. The office created by this article shall utilize the personnel and resources of the Department of Health and Human Resources and relevant agencies thereunder to the greatest extent practicable.