CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced over $1.5 million in substance abuse funding in a news conference Monday afternoon.

The funding will create new services in 12 counties, and expand existing services in eight counties.

“Substance abuse doesn’t necessarily have to be a dead end,” said Vice President of First Choice Health Systems Scott Jarrett. “There is recovery and there are folks who have gone through the process and have gone back to their jobs, their families and continue to be an integral part of the community here in West Virginia.”

First Choice runs the new 24-hour state help line at 844-HELP-4WV, which he said had seen success since its inception last September.

“The funding today is not earmarked for the call center, but it does go to provide beds and treatment for folks across the state,” Jarrett said. “And there’s a peer coach, peer support element that this funding will play a big part in.”

Tomblin hoped the funding would continue to solve the Mountain State’s drug abuse epidemic.

“Substance abuse is one of the greatest struggles our state has ever faced, and my administration continues to make the fight against (it) a top priority,” Tomblin said. “We want those struggling with substance abuse to find help and hope in West Virginia, and that starts with giving our residents the support they need to get on the path toward recovery.”

The funding will go toward 150 new treatment beds, a women’s recovery residence and specialist and recovery coaches in each county.