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A 16-year-old in Morgantown, West Virginia is proving that addiction prevention doesn’t have to cost families anything. His work is pointing to a broader network of free resources available to residents across one of the nation’s hardest-hit states.
Pavan Subramani, a junior at Morgantown High School, founded The Substance Safety Project. It’s a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering free drug disposal pouches and community education to families at no cost.
In a state where overdose rates remain among the highest in the country, his model focuses on something that often gets overlooked in conversations about addiction: stopping access to unused medications before misuse ever begins.
“Most resources actually only focus on helping after a crisis,” Subramani said, “rather than focusing on preventing things like that from happening in the first place.”
Free Drug Disposal: What West Virginia Families Can Access Right Now
The Substance Safety Project raised $940 to purchase drug disposal pouches capable of deactivating up to 13,500 pills. The pouches, distributed completely free, allow households to safely neutralize unused prescription medications at home.
It eliminates the risk that leftover pills end up misused. The initial supply has already been fully distributed and the organization has secured additional donations to continue expanding access across the region.
This kind of community-level prevention tool matters enormously for uninsured and low-income families who may not have easy access to pharmacy take-back programs or medical guidance on how to safely dispose of medications.
If you’re in West Virginia and want free drug disposal resources, you have several no-cost options.
DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Program runs twice yearly, with hundreds of free drop-off locations across the state. Visit DEA’s website or call SAMHSA’s helpline to find the nearest site.
Local pharmacy take-back kiosks are available at many CVS, Walgreens and independent pharmacies, often at no charge and no questions asked.
The Substance Safety Project (substancesafetyproject.org) distributes free disposal pouches directly to families and is expanding into underserved areas of southern and western West Virginia.
Who Qualifies for Free or Low-Cost Addiction Treatment in West Virginia?
Prevention is only part of the picture. If you or someone you love is already struggling with substance use, West Virginia offers several pathways to free or low-cost treatment regardless of income or insurance status.
Medicaid (WV DHHR): West Virginia expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, meaning many low-income adults qualify for full coverage of inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment. If you’re uninsured, this is the first place to look.
SAMHSA-Funded Treatment Centers: Federally funded facilities operate on sliding-scale fees, meaning what you pay is based on what you earn. Some charge nothing at all for qualifying individuals.
State-Funded Programs: West Virginia’s Bureau for Behavioral Health administers grant-funded treatment programs specifically designed for uninsured residents.
Faith-Based and Nonprofit Rehabs: Organizations like The Salvation Army and local recovery ministries offer free residential treatment programs throughout the state.
How to Access Free Resources in West Virginia
- Check your Medicaid eligibility at dhhr.wv.gov — coverage can begin quickly and includes behavioral health services.
- Request free drug disposal pouches or find local take-back locations.
- Visit your nearest community health center — federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer sliding-scale addiction counseling regardless of insurance status.
Subramani’s message to young people and anyone who feels the problem is too big to tackle: there is always a pathway forward, even when it feels impossible.
“You have no idea how many people that could impact,” he said.
If you or loved one is struggling with addiction, search rehab.org’s list of free and low-cost rehab centers. Help is also available by calling
800-914-7089
(
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today.
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