Eric Douglas

2 weeks ago | wvpublic.org | Eric Douglas

Community groups, congregations and food banks sent U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., an open letter Wednesday asking him to vote against a proposal before the Senate Agriculture Committee. According to the open letter, the committee proposal would shift up to $85 million in costs to the state for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, also known as food stamps, by 2028. The groups worry the state would not support the program, putting families at risk.

2 weeks ago | wvpublic.org | Eric Douglas

A new version of Connections, the evidence-based recovery support app for people with substance use disorder, has been specifically designed for individuals with problem gambling. The Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia (PGHNWV), which operates the helpline 1-800-GAMBLER, has partnered with CHESS Health to launch the first customized version of the app. Titled “Connections for Gambling,” the app aims to support individuals with problem gambling in West Virginia.

2 weeks ago | wvpublic.org | Eric Douglas

Gambling is a growing industry with increases in online gambling at the forefront. But with that comes problems. Problem gamblers are always chasing the high of winning. According to a problem gambler who is in recovery and works for the gambling hotline in West Virginia (1-800-GAMBLER), we’re calling her Beth to protect her identity, gambling addiction is the same as any other addiction.

3 weeks ago | wvpublic.org | Eric Douglas

As online gambling increases, more people are losing more money than they can afford. In this limited series, the WVPB news team takes a closer look at problem gambling in West Virginia. In our first story, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Sheila Moran, director of Marketing and Communications for First Choice Services, the company that runs West Virginia’s gambling helpline, Problem Gambling Help Network, 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). Moran is also a certified gambling counselor.

1 month ago | wvpublic.org | Eric Douglas

If you love chips and salsa at home, there may be a recall on your favorite brand. The company that makes East Coast Fresh, TOPS, Wellsley Farms, WEIS, AHOLD, Jack and Olive, Created Fresh and Spring and Sprout has issued a voluntary recall for potential salmonella contamination. The Coastal Companies produced 17 products with cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc..