Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health to Discuss Critical Gaps in Treatment Access

Elkins, WV, August 26, 2025: The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health will hold its monthly meeting this Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Phil Gainer Community Center, 42 Robert E Lee Ave Ext, Elkins, WV.

The meeting will feature significant discussions on new business items critical to the region’s public health response, including:

• An assessment of treatment facility bed availability and the geographical challenges residents face, specifically the distance to the nearest treatment centers.
• An evaluation of the reliability of current transportation arrangements for individuals seeking treatment and support services.
• A discussion on the potential need for additional Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS) to meet community demand.
• An update on Sober Living Homes, including a status report on “Ally’s Hope” and other certified sober living operations throughout the state.

Additionally, the Task Force will receive reports on active programs, including the number of clients served by various initiatives.

The public is welcome to attend and may speak during public comment and share their thoughts on any item on the agenda. Key discussion points are summarized above. The Task Force’s agenda will also soon be published here: https://cityofelkinswv.gov/agenda-center/.

Members of the media are invited to attend to learn more about these efforts and the ongoing work to address homelessness, addiction, and mental health in our community.

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.

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