Drug deaths draining state’s indigent burial program

With West Virginia’s drug deaths at three times the national average the state’s $2 million indigent burial program is running out of money four months before the fiscal year ends.

The program offers an average of $1,250 to help cover funeral expenses for families who can't afford them.

1,508 burials have been submitted for approval. There’s only enough money for 63 more burials.

In 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Virginia's drug overdose death rate stood at 41.5 cases per 100,000 residents, the highest rate in the country and nearly three times the national average.