Quick answer
Wood County recorded 40 overdose deaths in 2024, down from 49 in 2023, and fentanyl was present in 68% of them. Westbrook Health Services is the state-designated behavioral health center for the county, and Medicaid covers substance use treatment. Here is how to start care in Parkersburg.
Last updated: Wed Oct 07 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Parkersburg is the county seat of Wood County and the center of the Mid-Ohio Valley. The county's overdose death count has fallen for two years running, and a full behavioral health system sits inside the city. This page lays out what the local data show, who provides treatment, how to get there, and how to pay for it.
What the local overdose data show
Wood County's population is about 82,757. The West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) profile for the county reports 40 overdose fatalities in 2024, down from 49 in 2023, counted by county of occurrence rather than residence.
Substances present in those deaths (a single death can involve more than one) were:
- Fentanyl at 68% and methamphetamine at 58% - the two dominant substances, mirroring a statewide shift away from prescription opioids.
- Other drugs at 40%, THC at 25%, other opioids at 18%, benzodiazepines at 15%, and both alcohol and cocaine at 10%.
That shift shows up in prescribing data too. ODCP reports that opioid prescription drug dispensing in Wood County decreased by 71.8% between 2014 and 2024. And the county coroner told the Wood County Commission that drug-related deaths fell again in 2025, to 39 - continuing the decline from 45 in 2024.
Treatment close to home
Wood County is served by Westbrook Health Services, the state-designated Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center for the county and a state-certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Westbrook is headquartered at 2121 Seventh Street in Parkersburg and reports that its staff meets the needs of more than 7,000 people each year across the Mid-Ohio Valley. It is CARF-accredited and its programs include withdrawal management, intensive outpatient treatment, and office-based treatment with medication for opioid use disorder.
Two things about that matter for access:
For a substance-by-substance breakdown, see alcohol rehab and detox in Parkersburg, which covers withdrawal safety and Wood County's drinking data.
- A CCBHC must serve anyone who requests mental health or substance use care, regardless of ability to pay, place of residence, or age.
- Wood County also has a family treatment court, and the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Day Report Center handles community corrections for people involved in the justice system - two routes by which people are connected to assessment and care.
The SAMHSA treatment locator lists 16 substance use treatment facilities within 30 miles of Parkersburg (including 2 detox, 5 residential, and 11 outpatient). Search from ZIP code 26101 and filter by service type and payment.
Getting to appointments
Most treatment here happens on an outpatient schedule - counseling several times a week, medication visits, group sessions. The Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority, which runs the Easy Rider bus system, provides fixed-route service in Parkersburg and neighboring Vienna. Its administrative office is at 520 Juliana Street, and the agency can be reached at 304-422-4100. If transportation is a barrier, ask a program about ride support; it is a common question and many providers plan for it.
Paying for treatment
West Virginia expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in 2014, and West Virginia Medicaid covers behavioral health services. Parkersburg's median household income is about $49,025, below the statewide figure, and roughly 22.5% of residents live in poverty - so cost is a real concern for many households. For people without coverage, Westbrook's CCBHC status guarantees access regardless of ability to pay, and SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provides free, confidential referrals.
How to start today
- In a medical emergency, call 911. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 to speak with a treatment specialist, or use this form:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit.
- Search findtreatment.gov from ZIP code 26101 and filter by the level of care you need.
- If you are uninsured, ask about sliding-scale fees or a Medicaid application through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
Wood County's numbers are moving in the right direction, but the need remains. Asking for help is the step that turns a county statistic back into a plan for one person.
Treatment by substance in Parkersburg
Questions about rehab in Parkersburg
How many people die of drug overdose in Wood County?
The West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy reports 40 overdose fatalities in Wood County in 2024 (county of occurrence), down from 49 in 2023. The county coroner separately reported 39 drug-related deaths for 2025.
Where can I get addiction treatment in Parkersburg?
Westbrook Health Services, based in Parkersburg, is Wood County's Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center and a state-certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. It offers withdrawal management, intensive outpatient treatment, and medication for opioid use disorder, among other services.
Does West Virginia Medicaid cover addiction treatment?
Yes. West Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2014 and the program covers behavioral health services, including substance use disorder treatment. Rules and provider networks change, so confirm your coverage before you enroll.
What if I don't have insurance?
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in West Virginia must serve anyone who asks for mental health or substance use care, regardless of ability to pay. Westbrook Health Services holds that certification. HELP4WV also gives free, confidential referrals 24 hours a day.
Is it dangerous to stop opioids or benzodiazepines suddenly?
Yes. After regular use, stopping opioids or benzodiazepines abruptly can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. Withdrawal should be managed with medical supervision. Call 911 if someone is unresponsive or having trouble breathing.