FAQs: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Elkins and the National Opioid Settlement

Some residents of Elkins have asked how our community will benefit from the national opioid settlement funds and how these resources can help address the interconnected challenges of addiction, homelessness, and mental health in our region. Here are the most commonly asked questions:

What is the national opioid settlement?

The $26 billion opioid settlement is the result of lawsuits against major pharmaceutical companies, distributors, and pharmacies for their roles in fueling the U.S. opioid epidemic. West Virginia will receive approximately $980 million from this agreement over 17 years to support addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts.

How are the funds being distributed in West Virginia?

Per the state’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), funds are divided as follows:

• 72.5%: West Virginia First Foundation (statewide programs)
• 24.5%: Local governments (counties, cities)
• 3%: State of West Virginia (administrative and litigation costs)

How much has Randolph County and Elkins received?

As of August 2025:

• Randolph County: approximately $500,000
• City of Elkins:  $27,000

How will Elkins use its settlement funds?

The City of Elkins is currently partnering with GameChanger, a West Virginia-based nonprofit, to fund youth substance use disorder prevention programs in Randolph County’s K-12 schools. These programs focus on peer leadership and education to prevent opioid abuse.

What else is Elkins doing to take on this crisis?

City leaders helped launch the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health in May 2021. This task force brings together local officials, law enforcement, and community organizations to address substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health needs in Elkins, Randolph County, and North Central West Virginia.

This task force meets on the fourth Thursday of every month in Elkins, WV. This group strives to identify gaps in services, coordinate resources, and deploy self-sustaining solutions to this crisis. Its directives include identifying peer recovery support specialists (PRSS), safe sober-living spaces, and expanded recovery facilities. The public is welcome to attend these meetings, which at this time are held at the Phil Gainer Community Center.

Why is West Virginia receiving this amount of funding?

West Virginia has been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, with some of the highest overdose rates in the nation. The settlement accounts how the Mountain State was affected by this crisis and the need for resources to secure long-term recovery.

What are the restrictions on spending these funds?

Settlement funds must be used to address the impacts of the opioid crisis, such as:

• Treatment and recovery programs
• Prevention and education (e.g., school-based initiatives)
• Harm reduction (e.g., naloxone distribution)
• Law enforcement and first responder support

As directed by the State Auditor of West Virginia, Elkins is carefully accounting for the funds it receives under this settlement, which must be held in a separate account from all other city revenues and deposits.

Any misuse of funds is prohibited under the settlement’s terms.

Where can I learn more about the opioid crisis in West Virginia?

• West Virginia First Foundation
• West Virginia University
• WV Department of Health & Human Resources

How can I get help for opioid or another addiction?

• 24/7 Hotline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (More information can be found on SAMHSA‘s website)
• Text your zip code to 435748 to find the help that you need.