Gov. Joe Manchin plans to unveil a new strategy to address the problem of substance abuse in West Virginia.

Manchin, along with state and federal officials, will present the new strategy next week during a summit in Charleston convened by the West Virginia Prevention Resource Center.

The center estimated that drug and alcohol abuse directly cost the state about $470 million in 2006. The center is working on studies this year, though, that will likely find the total cost is now even higher.

Along with Manchin and state lawmakers, U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Director Frances Hardy will also address the summit meeting.

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