Board backs cooperative opioid-abatement application to fund Glade Spring wellness center

The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted on March 26 to support a cooperative application to the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority seeking $2,500,000 to develop a wellness and resource center in Glade Spring.

Dirk Moore, a Glade Spring town council member and representative of partner organizations, described the proposed facility (called the Powerhouse) as a community-based center focused on prevention, recovery and wraparound services including housing and workforce development. Moore said partners on the application include the Appalachian Substance Abuse Coalition and the YWCA, and that the YWCA already received $500,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission to support operations.

The resolution the board approved would allow Washington County to join as a partner and, if necessary, serve as fiscal agent should the grant be awarded. Board members discussed the resolution and noted the application packet and sample cooperative partnership agreement were included in the agenda materials. A motion to adopt the resolution and authorize the county administrator (Mr. Berry) to sign the cooperative agreement passed with a recorded aye vote.

Why it matters: The proposed center aims to expand local recovery services and prevention programs without requiring county funding for the application itself, though acting as fiscal agent would place administrative oversight responsibilities on the county if the award is made.

What was said: Dirk Moore asked the board to "support this resolution and for this county also to act as the fiscal agent should the money be awarded." Moore also described local partner endorsements and cited the YWCA's earlier award from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Next steps: With the board's approval the cooperative application proceeds. If the Opioid Abatement Authority awards funding, county staff would work with partners on fiscal administration and implementation planning.