Regional Task Force Hosts Public Forum, Highlights Prevention and Peer Support Initiatives

ELKINS, WV — February 20, 2026 — The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health held a public forum on February 12 to provide community updates on local efforts to combat addiction while expanding local resources. The meeting, held at the Phil Gainer Community Center, brought together local officials, law enforcement, and health professionals to share progress on several key initiatives.

Community Leaders Share Updates on Prevention and Recovery

Chief Bennett of the Elkins Police Department updated the group on his continued service on the grant review board for the WV First Foundation, Region 4, ensuring local needs are considered in the allocation of opioid settlement funds.

A significant focus of the forum was on prevention and peer recovery support. Markie Jeffries from PRSS/Jobs & Hope WV announced that WV Sober Living is now offering Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) training courses. This presents a critical opportunity for individuals in recovery and community members to gain certification and support others on their journey.

More information can be found at https://www.westvirginiasoberliving.com/wv-peers/.

In another prevention-focused development, the Task Force’s Chair, Dave Parker, reported that Scott Baker will be participating in a grant-funded research program to implement the Icelandic Model of prevention in West Virginia. This evidence-based model seeks to prevent substance abuse among youth by increasing access to structured recreational activities and strengthening family and community connections. For more information on the model, visit.

For additional information about the Icelandic Model, visit https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6918020/.

Municipal and Local Recovery Efforts

Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco provided an update on his work as the vice president of WV Municipal League, where he is coordinating with mayors and cities across the state to develop collaborative strategies to combat addiction, homelessness, and mental illness.

The forum also heard from Shelby Wilson of Ally’s Hope, a new 10-bed faith-based sober living home for women, marking an expansion of local recovery housing options.

Announcements and Next Steps

The next meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for February 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Phil Gainer Community Center.

About the Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health:

Established in May 2021, this task force brings together local officials, law enforcement, and community organizations to address homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health needs; it meets monthly in Elkins, WV. The Task Force strives to identify gaps in services, coordinate resources, and implement sustainable solutions to these challenges in North Central West Virginia—including identifying peer recovery support specialists (PRSS), safe sober-living spaces, and expanded recovery facilities.

Stay Updated with the City of Elkins here: https://cityofelkinswv.gov/city-blog/