Morrisey, Ohio AG Mike DeWine as well as a host of experts gathered Aug. 18 in Wheeling to "empower local communities and faith-based groups in their fight against substance abuse."
The conference was entitled “Taking Back Our Communities: Combating the Opiate Epidemic. It took place at C3 Covenant Community Church in Wheeling.
“The conference was a great success,” Morrisey said in a statement. “We were able to get several different groups involved to expand the discussion regarding how to combat opioid use.”
Conference speakers included pastors, law enforcement and prosecutors as well as treatment, recovery and government officials.
Discussion topics gave attendees insight and resources to better understand and assist those affected by drug addiction in their communities. They spoke to a crowd about how they can be involved in the fight.
“As a church, we want to be where our community is," C3 Covenant Community Church Pastor Ted Dodd said. "In the midst of the hurt and need in our town, we desire to be present to love and serve and partner with others in our area who are doing the same.”
Ryan Weld, Brooke County Prosecutor and West Virginia Delegate, attended the conference as a panel participant discussing tactics and current initiatives law enforcement agencies use to combat substance abuse.
“As both a legislator and a prosecuting attorney I see the problem we face with heroin every single day," Weld said. "Today's event was a terrific exchange of ideas not only between states, but also between law enforcement, the faith-based community, and addiction treatment resources."
