Mission Statement: Substance Abuse Prevention & Rehabilitation
The WVAGO is committed to protecting public health and safety by doing our part to combat substance abuse. We work to hold accountable those who profit from addiction while supporting evidence-based treatment and recovery programs that restore lives and strengthen communities. Through strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations, we strive to reduce substance abuse, expand access to treatment, and create pathways to recovery for all West Virginians impacted by the addiction crisis that has plagued West Virginia.
The Attorney General's response
Attorney General McCuskey is working to hold accountable those who played a role in in the oversaturated supply of opioids to West Virginia communities. In June 2025, attorneys general from all eligible states and U.S. territories entered into a settlement totaling $7.4 billion with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family. Under the settlement agreement, communities across the country will directly receive funds to support addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery. While most other states will receive their settlement payments over 15 years, West Virginia will receive as much as $53 million from this settlement on an accelerated payment schedule over the next nine years due to the disproportionate impact opioids have had on the State, its citizens, and its communities.
In August 2025, Attorney General McCuskey filed a lawsuit against Express Scripts (now Evernorth Health) and related entities, alleging the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) played a central role in the widespread oversupply of opioids to West Virginia, destroying countless lives and leaving our state decimated by a man-made medical crisis.
Moving forward, the attorney general will continue to fight to recover funds to support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts in our state.
Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery
Recognizing the severity of this crisis, Attorney General McCuskey established a new program upon taking office in January 2025, specifically designed to combat overdose deaths and ensure individuals in active rehabilitation receive the services they need to succeed in recovery.
The new initiative is led by Joshua Barker. Barker brings both personal insight and professional experience to his role as Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery. A Chapmanville native, Barker attended Marshall University and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. He previously served as Town Manager for Danville before being appointed to represent the 22nd District in the House of Delegates by former Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. He subsequently worked with then-Auditor JB McCuskey before joining the Attorney General's Office in January 2025. Barker is in recovery and travels the state to talk to others about the journey, the challenges, and the things the state, including the West Virginia Attorney General's Office, can do to help.
Read more about Barker's story here: New West Virginia attorney general staffer will address barriers to substance abuse recovery
Continuing Coverage
- The Exponent Telegram | Opinion: Holding PBMs accountable is the right move for West Virginia
- West Virginia Attorney General sues Express Scripts - “Architect” of the opioid crisis
- Attorney General McCuskey praises the passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act
- WV MetroNews: West Virginia joins $7.4 billion opioid settlement agreement with Purdue Pharma and its owners
- $7.4 Billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family finalized
- Attorney General McCuskey helps secure $7.4 billion from Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family for fueling the opioid crisis
- New AG Official’s Work Informed By His Own Addiction Recovery
West Virginia First Foundation
The West Virginia Legislature established the West Virginia First Foundation during the 2023 regular session through Senate Bill 674, signed into law on March 11, 2023. This foundation serves as the primary vehicle for distributing opioid settlement funds, secured by the Attorney General's Office, dedicated to addressing the substance abuse crisis.
The foundation oversees 72.5 percent of the state's settlement funds, while 24.5 percent flows directly to local governments. The remaining three percent is held in state escrow to cover outstanding attorney fees. Officials from 55 West Virginia counties have signed a memorandum of understanding that channels funding through the West Virginia First Foundation and establishes guidelines for appropriate expenditure of these critical resources.
Read more about the West Virginia First Foundation here.
Resources
Our office continues to develop educational initiatives and resource programs designed to support prevention efforts and connect individuals and families with the help they need.
Josh Barker, Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery, can be reached at Joshua.J.Barker@wvago.gov.
Other available resources:
West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy
Help4WV