Dr. Tony Kelly, a seasoned emergency physician with four decades of experience in West Virginia's coalfield hospitals, has been selected as the first board director for the West Virginia First Foundation. This newly established nonprofit will manage the distribution of a significant portion of the state's opioid settlement funds, exceeding $1 billion.
The unofficial results, announced during a public meeting in Beckley, indicate Kelly's appointment. Official certification is expected within a week. The foundation, recently authorized by the state legislature and Governor Jim Justice, will control nearly 75% of the settlement money. The remaining funds will be allocated directly to local communities (25%) and held in trust (3%). All funds are earmarked for combating the opioid crisis through evidence-based treatment, recovery initiatives, preventative measures, and supporting law enforcement's efforts to curb distribution.
Kelly, speaking remotely at the meeting, highlighted the critical role of southern West Virginia's emergency rooms in addressing the opioid crisis, describing them as "ground zero." He stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that addiction continues to outpace fatalities, despite the high number of overdose deaths. He expressed a desire for innovative solutions, emphasizing the threat to an entire generation.
Other candidates vying for the southern West Virginia board seat included Mercer County Commissioner Greg Puckett and Drema Hill, vice president at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Representatives from 64 local governments in the region participated in the voting process. Kelly received two nominations, one from Raleigh County Day Report Center Director James Miller, who underscored Kelly's extensive experience and reputation in local hospitals since 1982.
The image caption describes West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey addressing reporters regarding a settlement with Kroger related to the opioid crisis.
Over the past few years, settlements with drug manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and other involved companies have surpassed $50 billion nationwide. West Virginia, significantly impacted by the opioid crisis, has actively pursued its own lawsuits, resulting in numerous settlements. A recent example includes an $68 million settlement with Kroger in May, following settlements with Walgreens ($83 million in January), Walmart ($65 million), and CVS ($82.5 million) last September. Rite Aid also settled for up to $30 million in August.
Attorney General Morrisey, present at the vote, emphasized the significance of the Foundation's board formation and the distribution of funds as the starting point for recovery. The Foundation will be led by an executive director appointed by Morrisey and approved by the board. A search is currently underway, facilitated by the firm DRiWaterstone Human Capital, with the aim of filling the position within the next couple of months.
The 11-member board, including five gubernatorial appointees confirmed by the state Senate and six regionally elected directors like Kelly, is required to be established by July 17th. Meetings similar to the one in Beckley are planned across the state in the coming weeks, including sessions in Berkeley, Kanawha, and Wood Counties on July 12th, and in Ohio and Monongalia Counties on July 13th.
