Regional Task Force Announces Progress in Combating Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health Challenges

ELKINS, W.Va. — June 4, 2025 — Since its formation by Mayor Jerry Marco in 2021, the Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health has spearheaded collaborative solutions and partnerships across north-central West Virginia. Chaired by Elkins City Council member Dave Parker, the task force has united local leaders, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and recovery experts to address critical gaps in services—and today, it announces that it has made progress.

The Task Force’s Key Achievements Include:

• Prevention: Partnered with Randolph County Schools to launch the Game Changers substance abuse prevention program, set to roll out in the coming academic year.
• Treatment Access: Established a direct referral system between Elkins Police, peer recovery specialist Markie Jeffries, and treatment facilities, increasing entry rates into recovery programs.
• Housing Stability: Worked with the WV Attorney General’s office to certify sober living homes, while relocating displaced residents after recent facility closures.
• Community Education: Hosted a public stigma reduction training with the local business community, with a second session planned to address barriers to employment for people in recovery.
• Funding Advocacy: Engaged the West Virginia First Foundation, which disburses opioid settlement funds across the Mountain State, to secure regional allocations of opioid settlement funds and partnered with Davis Health System to streamline transportation to recovery services.

“This isn’t about the City acting alone—it’s about convening the right partners to solve problems,” said Council member Parker. “From schools to hospitals to law enforcement, we’re seeing real commitment and forging strong partnerships.”

The task force meets weekly and includes Mayor Marco, Police Chief Travis Bennett, Fire Chief Steve Himes, the City of Elkins’ Property Maintenance Code Official Jessie Kittle, and Ms. Jeffries, alongside representatives from 25-plus regional organizations.