News from the Appalachian Node

Laura Lander, MSW, AADC, co-PI of the CTN Appalachian Node and an associate professor in the West Virginia University School of Medicine’s Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry and Department of Neuroscience, was recently appointed to the statewide expert panel of the West Virginia First Foundation.

In the appointment, Lander will be part of a comprehensive group of six experts that assist the Foundation’s board in making financial decisions regarding strategies for abating the opioid epidemic in local communities around the state.

“I am honored to have been chosen for the expert panel and entrusted with making decisions on how best to help the people of West Virginia most impacted by the addiction epidemic. The impacts of addiction are far reaching, affecting individuals, families and entire communities. The WV First Foundation monies can make a huge impact on healing and rebuilding communities and increasing access to recovery resources including evidence-based treatment. Making sure people’s basic needs are met for healthy food, safe housing and access to quality healthcare must be our starting points,” said Lander.

Lander’s effective date begins August 2, 2024 and runs through at least December 31, 2024 with the possibility of reappointment.

The West Virginia First Foundation was established to oversee and distribute the majority of the state’s opioid settlements won in lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors.