CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey on Wednesday announced $10.5 million in new funding opportunities aimed at helping West Virginians overcome health‑related barriers to employment and reenter the workforce. The funding, released under the state’s Health to Prosperity initiative, is part of the broader Rural Health Transformation Program, which has made $145 million available to date to expand access to care and support innovative health models across West Virginia.
Morrisey said the investments are designed to improve workforce participation by addressing two major contributors to unemployment: chronic physical health conditions and substance use disorder. “One of the best ways to increase workforce participation is by improving healthcare outcomes,” Morrisey said. “These investments help more West Virginians get the care they need and return to work.”
About $8.5 million will support health‑to‑work programs for individuals whose chronic conditions — including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness and musculoskeletal issues — have disrupted employment. Proposed models may include coordinated care navigation, employer engagement, workplace accommodations and individualized return‑to‑work planning.
An additional $2 million will support recovery‑focused return‑to‑work programs for individuals whose substance use disorder has contributed to unemployment. Approaches may include peer recovery support, treatment coordination, employer partnerships and structured pathways that help participants transition back into employment while maintaining long‑term recovery.
Both funding opportunities close Monday, July 20, and encourage applicants to reduce barriers to employment, improve access to services and support long‑term workforce stability.
“Employment can be an important contributor to long‑term health, stability and quality of life,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh. “These opportunities encourage partnerships that connect healthcare, recovery supports and workforce resources to help individuals address barriers and build a path toward long‑term success.”
Eligible applicants can access the solicitations through the state’s procurement system at wvOASIS.gov.
