April 27, 2021

Manchin, Capito Announce Funding for Hepatitis Surveillance, Infectious Disease Consequences of Opioids

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $393,182 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Integrated Viral Hepatitis Surveillance to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). Of the total awarded, $78,659 is specifically appropriated to address the infectious disease consequences of opioid use in West Virginia.

“Every West Virginian has been impacted by the drug epidemic that has hurt our families, friends, and loved ones and ravaged our communities. This crisis has also led to an increase in infectious diseases, such as viral hepatitis and HIV in our communities. I am pleased HHS is investing in funding for observation and prevention of viral hepatitis, as well as increasing access to testing, prevention and treatment services. The investments from HHS will also help to address the side-effects of drug misuse, including infectious diseases. As we continue addressing this epidemic, I will keep fighting for funding and resources to help the Mountain State defeat the drug epidemic and to keep West Virginians healthy,” Senator Manchin said.

“As Kanawha County and other parts of the state continue to battle rising HIV cases, it’s important that we continue to direct more resources to protect those living with HIV and other infectious diseases in our communities. I have called on the CDC to bring additional support into West Virginia regarding this matter, and I’m glad to see this funding heading to the DHHR as a result. There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the substance use crisis in West Virginia, bringing unforeseen consequences with it. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to help drive resources to our state regarding this matter,” Senator Capito said.