A local task force, which is now in its fifth year of working to find solutions to thorny community issues, recently hosted its annual public forum in Elkins.

The Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness and Mental Health offered its forum last week at the Phil Gainer Community Center, with more than 25 community members turning out for the event.

Two guest speakers addressed the crowd: Joshua Barker, the director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery under the Office of the West Virginia Attorney General, and Dr. Stephen Loyd, the director of the Office of Drug Control Policy.

Also speaking during the event was Shelby Burgess-Wilson, a member of the Task Force who is also the director of Ally’s Hope, a sober-living facility in Elkins.

Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco and Elkins Police Chief Travis Bennett also offered comments and information during the forum.

Established in May 2021, the task force brings together local officials, law enforcement and community organizations to address homelessness, substance abuse and mental health needs.

“The Task Force strives to identify gaps in services, coordinate resources, and implement sustainable solutions to these challenges in North Central West Virginia — including identifying peer recovery support specialists (PRSS), safe sober-living spaces, and expanded recovery facilities,” according to the City of Elkins website.

The Task Force works closely with community organizations. “While the City of Elkins does not provide social services directly, it is working with these local groups, often with limited staff and budgets, to generate long-term solutions,” the city website states.

We salute the efforts of the Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness and Mental Health, which meets at the Phil Gainer Community Center every fourth Thursday of each month around 1 p.m. All meetings are open to the public, with the City of Elkins encouraging residents to attend and participate.