UPDATE 10/15/19 @ 7:45 p.m.

A new program called Jobs and Hope WV is up and running across the state to help recovering opioid addicts get back into the workforce after their rehab is over.

"The problem is this, once we get them better, we just turn them back out on the street and they can't get a job because of all the stuff on their record," Gov. Jim Justice said. "They can't get a job and they are not trained to get a job in the first place."

The program allows people to get career training to ultimately result in meaningful jobs after recovering from addiction.

"What people are doing, they are putting together substantial amounts of sobriety in these programs, and then when they are finished they return to wherever they are from and they still have a substantial amount of fines," transition agent Larry McCommack said. "They don't have an education, and that is why they end up back in jail and back in treatment.

"Basically, we are here to stop that or try to help stop it and give these people what they need to live a long successful life," McCommack said. "Allow them to be able to provide for them and their family."

Justice said there are thousands of jobs across the state that can be filled by recovered addicts, including in manufacturing, construction, hospitality and tourism.

"One of the reasons we have low workforce participation is because of the drug crisis in this state," Delegate Mike Pushkin said. "This really addresses those people. It's about getting people into treatment, getting them job training, helping them find a job, and then if they need expungement, they would qualify for it."

Completing the program can allow recovering addicts to get their drivers license back and even have their records wiped clean. Programs are offered at centers across the state.

ORIGINAL STORY 10/14/19

A program to help people recovering from substance abuse transition back into the workforce is on its way to West Virginia, according to Gov. Jim Justice's office.

The governor, along with other state officials, are expected to make the announcement at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Putnam Career & Technical Center in Eleanor.

According to a news release from Justice's office, the program is known as Jobs and Hope West Virginia. It resulted from a concept introduced by Justice at his State of the State address earlier this year and approved by the Legislature.

The program will ensure that West Virginians in recovery have access to career training to help them "ultimately secure meaningful employment."

Joining the governor at the announcement will be Dr. Steven L. Paine, state superintendent of schools; Bob Hansen, executive director of the Office of Drug Control Policy; West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer; and Scott Adkins, acting commissioner of WorkForce West Virginia.

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