IHCWV Awarded Initial Opportunity Grant from West Virginia First Foundation

​Harrisville, WV – Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV) is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the West Virginia First Foundation’s (WVFF) inaugural Opportunity Grant.

The grant, totaling $81,276.41, will be used to support IHCWV Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Prevention Program for Justice-Impacted Youth in Region 3. The NMT is an approach that integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology that focuses on understanding a child's brain development and function. It provides a framework for assessing a child, identifying primary issues, recognizing key strengths, and applying evidence-based interventions to promote healing and growth. This project aligns with IHCWV’s mission to provide affordable, compassionate, excellent care close to home.

“We are deeply grateful to the West Virginia First Foundation for believing in our vision and supporting our work,” said Jasen R. Nichols, Director of Behavioral Health. “This grant allows us to reduce substance use and recidivism among justice-impacted youth and those in the child protection system and improve their mental health and well-being through trauma-informed care. Together, we are making strides toward a healthier and more hopeful West Virginia.”

Jonathan Board, Executive Director of the West Virginia First Foundation, praised the work of IHCWV: “Organizations like Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia are at the heart of our mission to empower communities and combat the effects of substance use disorder. Their dedication to creating positive change is inspiring, and we are honored to support their efforts through the Initial Opportunity Grant.”

The WVFF Initial Opportunity Grant underscores the Foundation’s dedication to investing in organizations and initiatives that address the opioid epidemic and its far-reaching impacts across the state. IHCWV is honored to be part of this mission and is committed to using this funding to drive meaningful change.

About West Virginia First Foundation: The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is a nonprofit organization established to address the opioid crisis and its lasting impact across the state. Created under the terms of the West Virginia First Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), WVFF was designed to receive and distribute opioid settlement funds. Guided by the principles outlined in the MOU, the Foundation operates as a private 501(c)(3) entity to support prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction efforts. Through strategic funding and community collaboration, WVFF is committed to creating sustainable solutions that improve the health and well-being of all West Virginians. For more information, visit wvfirst.org.

About Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia: Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV) was established in 1994 in Ritchie County High School, as part of a pilot program for school-based health centers. Over the next 30 years, IHCWV expanded by opening eight additional campuses across Ritchie, Doddridge, Pleasants, and Wood Counties, providing primary care, behavioral health, and dental services. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), IHCWV is governed by a board made up of patients and community members. The health centers also offer a Sliding Fee Discount Program for eligible individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, ensuring that everyone receives quality healthcare regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.