Athens, Ohio — The Appalachian Regional Commission has announced grants aimed at supporting local responses to the substance abuse epidemic in Kentucky and Ohio. The commission says in a news release it has awarded $1.14 million to WestCare Kentucky Inc. in Pikeville, Kentucky, to convert and renovate a 24,600 square foot building in Pike County into a residential treatment facility for women. Treatment services will include an emphasis on recovery-to-work support such as professional development, skills training and peer counseling. The commission also awarded $1.1 million to Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and the commission awarded $1.1 million to the North Carolina State University. The ARC says it has invested more than $148 million in 185 projects across Appalachia since 2015.