11/13/2024
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Cabell County recently released its updated 2024 Resiliency Plan, a comprehensive strategy designed to address the region's substance use crisis, particularly the opioid epidemic, while improving overall community health.
Building on the initial plan from 2019, this updated version was developed with input from more than 55 stakeholders across various sectors. It focuses on immediate and long-term strategies for sustainable recovery and strategic collaboration. By enhancing existing partnerships and improving data-sharing systems, the plan seeks to reduce duplication of efforts among organizations and improve coordination. In addition, the plan emphasizes the need to leverage city, state, federal and philanthropic resources to bolster the region's recovery efforts.
Workforce and economic development are also prioritized, with a focus on workforce readiness and the removal of barriers such as child-care access. The plan highlights the importance of expanding re-entry services for individuals transitioning out of the criminal justice system. Although progress has been made, treatment and prevention efforts need to be significantly strengthened, with expanded access to mental health and substance use disorder services, particularly for youth. Prevention strategies are also highlighted, with an emphasis on initiatives that address all age groups.
The 2024 Resiliency Plan stresses the need for long-term, sustainable funding and coordinated leadership to close gaps in services, such as fragmented prevention programs and the need for standardized collaboration in treatment and re-entry services. The plan showcases Cabell County’s innovative and resilient approach, reflecting strong collaboration between government, health care and community leaders in addressing complex, systemic issues.
"Community collaboration is the cornerstone of creating lasting, positive change in Huntington,” said Lyn O’Connell, Ph.D., associate director of addiction sciences and assistant professor at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “By working together across sectors—healthcare, education, local businesses, and government—we can build a network of support that strengthens the well-being and resilience of every resident. When we unite our efforts, we not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for a healthier, more vibrant future for Huntington."
The plan’s holistic approach prioritizes both immediate intervention and long-term transformation, using data, community partnerships, and policy reform to address the evolving substance use crisis. It also reflects on successes achieved since the initial plan's development, while recognizing the ongoing struggles faced by the community, many of which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Resiliency Plan represents the voice and vision of our community, designed to address the unique challenges we face and to harness our strengths for a brighter future,” O’Connell said. “By putting this plan into action, we’re committing to a sustainable path forward—one that prioritizes the health, safety and prosperity of Huntington. With the entire community’s involvement, the Resiliency Plan will guide us in building a future we can all be proud of."
This community-led plan was compiled by the Division of Addiction Sciences in the Department of Family Medicine at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. The plan is available at https://jcesom.marshall.edu/media/63547/2024_resiliency-plan.pdf. For additional information, contact O’Connell at 304.691.6929.
Michele McKnight
Marshall Health & School of Medicine
Assistant Director of External Affairs
304-691-1713
mcknigh4@marshall.edu
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