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A West Virginia University health policy expert says The Washington Post analysis of targeted markets for opioid distribution sheds further light on the fact that substance use disorder has many causes and consequences. Accountability for addiction rests not only with the individual, but within the social and economic context that create an environment conducive to drug access and abuse, according to Chris Plein, professor of public administration.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that West Virginia has the highest rate of opioid-related deaths in the United States; also alarming, the state has a shortage of mental health professionals to provide treatment for people coping with addiction and recovery, according to West Virginia University expert Deanna Morrow.

Dr. James Berry, West Virginia University’s director of Addiction Services, says data from the Drug Enforcement Administration revealing the targeted distribution of pain pills and the corresponding rise in overdose deaths is alarming, if unsurprising to those who treat addiction.

While the Drug Enforcement Administration dealt decisively with previous drug epidemics– speed in the 70s and Quaaludes in the 80s – it has allowed large pharmaceutical companies free rein in producing opioids, according to West Virginia University’s John Temple, the author of “American Pain: How a Young Felon and His Ring of Doctors Unleashed America’s Deadliest Drug Epidemic” which examined the genesis and proliferation of the opioid epidemic.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of humankind’s first steps on the moon with three full-dome planetarium shows and a featured presentation by Hilda Heady, whose aunt, Bonnie Holmes, was the main assistant to key NASA rocket developer Werner von Braun. Demonstrations include an electromagnetic can crusher and liquid nitrogen ice cream.

Data released this week from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automated Reports and Consolidated Orders Systems shows disproportionate pain pill distribution into Appalachian and rural communities, which resulted in an opioid crisis for West Virginia and the region. West Virginia University expert Robin Pollini says the data underscores the depth of the problem and the need to confront it.

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong famously took “one small step” onto its surface. As the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing nears, experts from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University reflect on the cultural, scientific and geopolitical importance of the Apollo program and its powerful messages of curiosity, ambition and scientific discovery. The anniversary also shines a spotlight on issues of equality in math and science.

WVU Extension will host the grand opening of a community garden at the Underwood Senior Center Tuesday (July 16). Guests will have a chance to participate in the first planting workshop immediately following the celebration.

At the WVU Brain Camp, hosted by the WVU School of Medicine’s Neuroscience Department and the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Campers will participate in hands-on demonstrations with WVU faculty and graduate students in areas like neuroanatomy, studying the effects of light at night, impacts of stroke, and motion capture computer simulations of the body.

The Nuffield Scholars program awards scholarships to approximately 50 young agriculturalists from 12 countries each year. The program provides scholars with the opportunity to make international connections and explore production agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural policy and related topics in different parts of the world. Activities begin Tuesday (July 9) and continue through July 16.