Wv Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals

02/25/2026

🚨 ACTION NEEDED — HELP MOVE SB 897 FORWARD 🚨

Friends, providers, peers, families, and anyone who cares about substance use treatment in West Virginia — we need your help RIGHT NOW.

Senate Bill 897 (Alcohol & Drug Counselor Licensure) has passed Senate Health & Human Resources.It now goes to the Senate Finance Committee, and this is where strong public support matters.

This bill allows qualified, internationally credentialed addiction counselors to be licensed in WV — increasing access to competent SUD assessment and treatment for youth and adults.

That means:• Faster level-of-care placements• More addiction specialists in underserved areas• Better outcomes for foster youth and families• Lower long-term Medicaid costs

📝 WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO

Please send a short email of support asking Senate Finance to:

✅ Put SB 897 on the agenda✅ Support moving it forward

You can write your own OR copy/paste the sample letter below.

Even a 3-sentence email helps. Legislators absolutely track volume.

📧 Senate Finance Committee Emails

Send to:

Jason Barrett jason.barrett@wvsenate.gov

Rollan Roberts rollan.roberts@wvsenate.gov

Zack Maynard zack.maynard@wvsenate.gov

Charles Clements charles.clements@wvsenate.gov

Amy Grady amy.grady@wvsenate.gov

Bill Hamilton bill.hamilton@wvsenate.gov

Glenn Jeffries glenn.jeffries@wvsenate.gov

Patrick Martin patrick.martin@wvsenate.gov

Robbie Morris robbie.morris@wvsenate.gov

Michael Oliverio mike.oliverio@wvsenate.gov

Rupie Phillips rupie.phillips@wvsenate.gov

Ben Queen ben.queen@wvsenate.gov

Tom Takubo tom.takubo@wvsenate.gov

Darren Thorne darren.thorne@wvsenate.gov

Michael Woelfel mike.woelfel@wvsenate.gov

Jack Woodrum jack.woodrum@wvsenate.gov

LETTER YOU CAN COPY/PASTE

Subject: Support for SB 897 – Request to Place on Senate Finance Agenda

Dear Members of the Senate Finance Committee,

I am writing to respectfully ask that Senate Bill 897 be placed on the Senate Finance agenda and supported as it moves forward.

The West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP) has existed since 1981 as a nonprofit organization and has credentialed substance use disorder professionals for over four decades. The board follows strict international standards set by IC&RC and has operated primarily through volunteer leadership with minimal staffing.

WVCBAPP is already written into West Virginia Medicaid policy for substance use disorder services and holds the contract for credentialing peer recovery support specialists across the state. This demonstrates a long-standing, trusted role in workforce development and quality assurance.

Licensure for alcohol and drug counselors will strengthen West Virginia’s behavioral health workforce by allowing highly trained addiction professionals to practice to the full extent of their competency. This will improve access to appropriate assessments, support better level-of-care decisions for both youth and adults, and ultimately improve outcomes while reducing long-term system costs.

Importantly, this legislation does not infringe upon or restrict any existing behavioral health professions. It does not limit anyone’s scope of practice. Instead, it expands the workforce by adding qualified addiction specialists to help meet the growing demand for substance use treatment in our state.

West Virginia continues to face significant challenges related to substance use, and we need every competent, qualified professional available to respond effectively.

Thank you for your time and for your service to the people of West Virginia. I respectfully ask for your support in advancing SB 897.

Sincerely,[Your Name]

If you believe West Virginia needs:More addiction professionalsBetter access to assessmentsStronger recovery outcomes

Please send that email today.

Grassroots voices still move policy in West Virginia — and they always will.

💙 Thank you

02/25/2026

Today marks an important step forward for substance use disorder treatment in West Virginia.

The advancement of Senate Bill 897 through the Health and Human Resources Committee represents meaningful progress toward strengthening the addiction treatment workforce and improving access to quality care across our state.

This moment did not happen overnight. It reflects decades of dedication from professionals, peers, advocates, educators, and individuals in recovery who have worked tirelessly to elevate the field and improve outcomes for West Virginia families.

We especially recognize the peer recovery community — those with lived experience who helped build this field through courage, advocacy, and service. We also pause to honor the lives lost to overdose and the many individuals whose stories continue to drive this work forward. Their impact remains at the heart of why this progress matters.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Senator Helton and members of the Health and Human Resources Committee for giving this issue thoughtful consideration and advancing the conversation around strengthening the behavioral health workforce.

We are also grateful to our partners and collaborators across the state — including academic institutions, professional associations, treatment providers, and advocacy organizations — whose continued commitment makes this work possible.

Special thanks to the WVCBAPP volunteer board and staff for their leadership and ongoing efforts behind the scenes to support certification, workforce development, and professional standards in addiction and prevention services.

As this legislation moves forward, we remain committed to working collaboratively with lawmakers, stakeholders, and community partners to ensure West Virginians have access to qualified, competent substance use disorder professionals.

Progress like this is built over generations — and we will continue advocating for the workforce, the field, and the individuals and families we serve.

We have work to do yet, but this step is monumental.

02/20/2026

Please contact the senators and support sb 897 we have had no movement since the 10th march 4th is the deadline to have it passed out of HHR and FC https://www.facebook.com/share/1KAEHXTqvm/?mibextid=wwXIfrve

The official Web site of the West Virginia Legislature

02/19/2026

https://site.pheedloop.com/event/2026SharetheVision/home

02/13/2026

02/13/2026

Please, if you have questions about any of the bills that are moving, join this call. 

Please join us as our legislative discussions continue! Weekly Recovery Advocacy Legislative Discussions will continue on Zoom (each Thursday from noon until 1 PM). Starting today (2/12) we plan to discuss legislation that we are tracking and legislation of interest to you, our members!

Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jGpfVMOpQ72pxMeguOfvpA #/registration

02/12/2026

Link to the guide is in the comments.

02/12/2026

https://internationalcredentialing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NEW-AADC-Candidate-Guide-2025.pdf

02/12/2026

The delegates and senators NEED to hear from our folks who have lived experience and have needed a SUD counselor services. We need to make sure we can continue to have a trained workforce to fight this battle.

What can you do??????

📣 Action Requested – Individuals in Recovery

Support for SB 897 (Alcohol & Drug Counselor Licensure)

Dear West Virginia Advocates and Community Members,

Senate Bill 897 has been introduced during the 2026 legislative session. This bill establishes licensure standards for alcohol and drug counselors in West Virginia.

If you are someone in recovery, or a family member of someone who has struggled with substance use disorder, your voice carries tremendous weight.

Legislators need to hear from the people most impacted by this issue.

SB 897 is about ensuring that individuals seeking help for substance use disorder receive care from qualified, accountable, and properly trained professionals. It creates clear standards for alcohol and drug counselors while protecting the current workforce.

We are asking you to consider sending a brief message to your Senator and Delegate expressing support for SB 897.

To participate:
1. Identify your local Senator and Delegate at: www.wvlegislature.gov
2. Copy the template letter below
3. Personalize it with your experience
4. Email it directly to your legislators

Even a short message sharing your story can make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for your courage, your recovery, and your advocacy.

Sincerely,
West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals
An IC&RC Affiliated Board

⸻

✉️ Letter Template for Individuals in Recovery

Subject: Please Support SB 897 – Strengthening Recovery Care in West Virginia

Dear Senator/Delegate [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [City/County], West Virginia. I am writing to respectfully ask for your support of Senate Bill 897.

As someone who has personally experienced substance use disorder — or supported a loved one through it — I know how critical it is to have access to qualified, well-trained counselors.

Recovery is not simple. It requires knowledgeable professionals who understand addiction, trauma, relapse prevention, ethics, and evidence-based treatment. When I sought help, the quality and competency of the counselor mattered.

SB 897 helps ensure that individuals seeking recovery in West Virginia receive care from professionals who meet clear education, training, and accountability standards.

This bill is about protecting people like me — people who are vulnerable and seeking help. It strengthens public trust and supports a competent workforce without creating automatic new state spending.

West Virginia has been deeply impacted by substance use disorder. Those of us in recovery deserve qualified professionals guiding our care.

I respectfully ask for your support of SB 897.

Thank you for your service and for considering the voices of individuals and families impacted by addiction.

Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[City/County]
[Phone or Email – optional]

The official Web site of the West Virginia Legislature

02/11/2026

Action Requested – Support for SB 897 (Alcohol & Drug Counselor Licensure)

Dear Credentialed Professionals,

As you may be aware, Senate Bill 897 has been introduced during the 2026 legislative session. This bill establishes licensure standards for alcohol and drug counselors in West Virginia. This bill does not alter current requirements for AADC OR licensed individuals' scope of practice.

SB 897 represents an important step in strengthening our profession by creating clear qualifications, title protection, and professional accountability standards while protecting and grandfathering the current workforce. The bill does not mandate new reimbursement structures or create automatic fiscal obligations. Its focus is workforce competency, public protection, and alignment with national standards.

Your voice matters.

As professionals working directly with individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder, legislators value hearing from those on the front lines of care. We are asking you to consider sending a brief email to your local Senator and Delegate expressing support for SB 897.

Attached below is a simple template you may use. You are welcome to personalize it with your experience and perspective. Even a short message of support can make a meaningful difference.

To participate:
1. Identify your local Senator and Delegate at www.wvlegislature.gov
2. Copy the template letter provided
3. Personalize it with your name, credential, and community
4. Email it directly to your legislators

Professional, respectful outreach from credentialed individuals helps demonstrate broad support for strengthening our workforce and protecting the public.

We appreciate your continued commitment to excellence in addiction and prevention services across West Virginia.

Thank you for your consideration and for the work you do every day.

Sincerely,
[Name]
West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals
An IC&RC Affiliated Board
“Certification — A Professional Commitment”

Letter template:

Please Support SB 897 – Strengthening West Virginia’s SUD Workforce

Dear Senator/Delegate [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [credential – ADC/AADC/PRSS/etc.] practicing in [City/County], West Virginia. I am writing to respectfully ask for your support of Senate Bill 897.

As someone working directly with individuals and families affected by substance use disorder, I see every day how important qualified, well-trained professionals are to recovery outcomes. SB 897 establishes clear licensure standards for alcohol and drug counselors in West Virginia, strengthening professional accountability, workforce consistency, and public trust.

This bill does not create new reimbursement mandates or automatic state spending. Instead, it provides a structured framework that aligns West Virginia with national standards while protecting and grandfathering the current workforce.

For those of us already certified and serving our communities, this legislation represents recognition of the specialized training and competency required to effectively treat substance use disorders. It helps ensure that West Virginians receive care from professionals who meet established standards of education, ethics, and clinical practice.

SB 897 is about strengthening the workforce and protecting the public — not expanding bureaucracy or limiting other professions.

I respectfully ask for your support of SB 897 as it moves through the legislative process.

Thank you for your service to our state and for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[Credential(s)]
[City/County]
[Phone or Email – opt

The official Web site of the West Virginia Legislature

02/11/2026

https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2026_SESSIONS/RS/bills/sb897%20intr.pdf