Media Advisory: Regional Task Force to Host Annual Public Forum on Community Challenges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 10, 2026

Community input sought on addiction, homelessness, and mental health services

WHAT: The Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health will host its annual public forum. The event is an opportunity for community members to hear updates, provide input, and engage with leaders on coordinated responses to these interconnected challenges.

WHEN: Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Phil Gainer Community Center, Elkins, W.Va.

WHO:

• Keynote Speakers:
  • Joshua Barker, Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery, Office of the WV Attorney General
  • Dr. Stephen Loyd, Director of the Office of Drug Control Policy
• Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco, Elkins Police Chief Travis Bennett, and Upshur and Randolph Counties Peer Recover Support Specialist (PRSS) Markie Jeffries will discuss the Task Force’s work over the past year.
• Members of the Regional Task Force (local officials, law enforcement, nonprofit partners)
• The public and media are strongly encouraged to attend.

WHY: The public forum will provide the public and media with critical updates and seek the local community’s guidance. Key agenda items include:

• Identifying persistent gaps in critical services.
• Reviewing the status of grants and funding to address the crisis in North Central West Virginia.
• Hearing personal testimonies from community members.

QUOTE FROM ELKINS MAYOR JERRY MARCO:
“This forum is about listening. Our Task Force can develop plans, but the true direction must come from the community’s voice and lived experiences. We need to hear from you to effectively align our limited resources where they are needed most.”

BACKGROUND:
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, usually the fourth Thursday of every month. 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.