Hancock Commission offers support for Brooke County opioid funding application

NEW CUMBERLAND - While still debating the distribution of some of their own opioid settlement funds, Hancock County commissioners, Friday, agreed to lend a letter of support on behalf of an organization seeking such funding from Brooke County.

Commissioners unanimously agreed to provide a letter of support for Empower and Link’s application for funding to assist with its planned renovations to the former Christ Episcopal Church in Wellsburg.

While expressing a belief in the services offered by the organization, Commission President Eron Chek also questioned whether it was appropriate for Hancock commissioners to offer an opinion on matters before another county.

"We’ve never supported, or made a suggestion, for Brooke County to spend their opioid money is a certain way," Chek said. "I was wondering if that would have any implications."

Empower and Link initially had requested $374,015 of Brooke County’s approximately $1.1 million in opioid settlement funds, but recently amended its request to $273,120.80.

According to officials with the organization, who have spoken before Brooke County commissioners multiple times this year, the funding application was set to provide funding to renovate the former church and its fellowship hall, located on Main Street in Wellsburg, as well as some personnel and program costs.

According to its website, Empower and Link offers support services for those living with substance use issues, housing instability, mental health concerns and other challenges, through a "wrap-around" approach guiding individuals toward behavioral health programs, transportation, workforce assistance, legal aid and advocacy, education and life skill development, connections with health care, and more.

Commissioner Paul Cowey, replying to Chek’s question, said he feels sending the letter is simply an act of showing support for the organization in its efforts, not attempting to influence the decision by Brooke County officials, who have received requests from close to 15 agencies.

Commissioner Tommy Ogden agreed with Cowey’s assessment.

"Paul summed it up perfectly," Ogden said.

Cowey noted Empower and Link had applied for funding through Hancock County, but the organization’s proposal arrived after the commission’s established deadline.

"Their application is still in our file for the next round," Cowey said. "Meeting with the people on the board, I had no problem sending a letter of support."

Chek, who finishes her term as a commissioner at the end of the year, said she does appreciate the programs offered by Empower and Link, and hopes they are able to receive funding from both counties.

"It would be my intention to support them if they want to submit an application for the next round here," she said.

There has been no public discussion by the Hancock Commission as to when a new round of opioid funding applications may take place.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)