NC West Virginia News

West Virginia University (WVU) and Ascend WV have partnered to support the opioid response efforts led by the West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF). Ascend WV, a talent attraction and retention program supported by the WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, was established through a gift from the Wing 2 Wing Foundation in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism.

The initiative arose when WVU and Ascend WV learned that the WVFF needed working space to execute its mission of distributing nearly $1 billion in opioid settlement funds.

“West Virginia University cares about the people of this state and we are a force for good,” said WVU President Gordon Gee. “This is the essence of being West Virginia’s land-grant flagship University.”

According to an agreement, Ascend WV locations in Morgantown, Fayetteville, Elkins, Martinsburg, and Lewisburg will be made available to the WVFF at no cost.

“I want to thank WVU and the Ascend WV program for their generous contribution of office space,” said Jonathan Board, Executive Director of the West Virginia First Foundation. “Having these outreach locations will allow the Foundation to be present within communities in every region of the state as we focus on serving the people who most need help.”

The Foundation intends to use these spaces for meetings and outreach activities across various regions. This strategy aligns with Ascend WV's mission, noted Danny Twilley, OEDC assistant vice president of economic, community and asset development.