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West Virginians know how to tackle hard problems. We confronted a deadly foe more than two years ago, and many of us jumped into action -doing everything in our power to defeat COVID-19. That hard work is bringing us closer to transitioning out of the grip the virus had on us. And during that time, public officials shared a common goal to save lives.
Another plague never left us, however. According to WalletHub's "States With the Biggest Drug Problems" report, West Virginia has the largest drug problem in the country, using data for the period ending April 2021. That is a big problem.
The Mountain State has an average of 81.4 drug overdoses per 100,000 residents, nearly eight times as high as in South Dakota, which has the fewest.
For law enforcement, which includes factors such as drug arrests per capita, employee drug testing laws and prescription drug monitoring laws, West Virginia is third. For drug use and addiction, we are fourth. But for drug health issues and rehab, the Mountain State is 23rd. We are a miserable 48th for fewest people receiving substance abuse treatment.
On the other hand, states that performed well in the report were Minnesota, Hawaii, Utah, Idaho and Iowa. It seems as though public officials in West Virginia should be clamoring to learn all they can about how those states are weathering this storm.
And, of course, they should hold themselves to the same standard in fighting this plague that they did COVID-19. Do what is necessary, no matter whether it seems politically popular; cut the red tape; keep citizens informed; celebrate successes; and work to bring healing and hope.
In the case of substance abuse, step one in the Mountain State is overcoming the stigma and apathy associated with addiction and mental health issues. Step two is setting aside political showboating in favor of working to bring better education, true economic transition, development and job growth to this state.
It's difficult. We've proved we can do difficult things. It is time to, truly, face down this monster, too.