West Virginia University and Ascend WV have joined forces to support the fight against the opioid epidemic in West Virginia. This collaboration aims to provide necessary working spaces for the West Virginia First Foundation, which is responsible for distributing nearly $1 billion in opioid settlement funds across the state.

“West Virginia University cares about the people of this state and we are a force for good,” WVU President Gordon Gee said. “This is the essence of being West Virginia’s land-grant flagship University.”

Through the agreement, Ascend WV will offer free office space in its locations in Morgantown, Fayetteville, Elkins, Martinsburg and Lewisburg. This support stems from a partnership between WVU’s Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative and the West Virginia Department of Tourism, funded by the Wing 2 Wing Foundation.

“I want to thank WVU and the Ascend WV program for their generous contribution of office space,” West Virginia First Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Board said. “Having these outreach locations will allow the Foundation to be present within communities in every region of the state as we focus on serving the people who most need help.”

The Foundation plans to use the provided spaces for meetings and community outreach, aligning with the mission of Ascend WV. Danny Twilley, OEDC assistant vice president of economic, community and asset development, emphasized the importance of community engagement in their initiative.

“This is where we see our role in this endeavor,” Twilley said. “Community engagement has been a cornerstone of our program from the start, whether we’re connecting ‘ascenders’ with resources and opportunities in their new home, helping native West Virginians find their way back or supporting communities in their endeavors to thrive.”