Addiction

The sustainable investment division of Wespath, the United Methodist Church’s pension agency, has joined a coalition of institutional investors that calls for pharmaceutical companies to adopt or strengthen their practices to mitigate risks related to opioids. Photo illustration by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

Wespath initiatives address opioid crisis

The United Methodist Church’s benefits agency is addressing the national opioid crisis by offering education and recovery resources, as well as holding companies it invests in accountable.

Global Health

The Rev. Jeff Allen walks through the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston. Allen, executive director of the West Virginia Council of Churches, says it's important for the faith community to be heard in matters of public policy.

Pastors push to help addict offenders rejoin society

Some say religion should stay separate from politics. Others feel the church is called to advocate for mercy and justice.

Global Health

Rachael Porter and the Rev. David Johnston adopted two children who came from a home with opioid addiction. Johnston serves as pastor of Concord United Methodist Church in Athens, W.Va.

Clergy embrace becoming foster parents

West Virginia has one of the highest rates in the nation of children removed from homes due to drug abuse, and one of the lowest rates of new homes for them. Clergy felt called to respond.

Global Health

Kate Rhodes (left) leads students from House of the Carpenter back from a field trip on Wheeling Island in Wheeling, W.Va. Rhodes was serving as youth coordinator for the program's Pre-Work Camp, which teaches basic employment skills to middle school students. House of the Carpenter is a mission project of The United Methodist Church's West Virginia Conference.

Ministries help children affected by addiction

Children in addicted households are in danger of falling into the same cycle without support. One devoted mentor can make a world of difference.

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