By Kara Linaburg
April 22, several organizations plan to visit Shinnston to educate and provide resources about substance use disorder and mental health problems for Making Connections With Family Resources.
“Making Connections With Family Resources is dedicated to providing resources to a family member or caregiving who has an individual that they care for or love who is experiencing a mental health disorder or substance use disorder,” said Roxanne Chaney, lead family coordinator for the Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau For Behavioral Health in Charleston, in an email about their upcoming event.
The event is scheduled for April 22 at 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Shinnston Fire Department. Childcare and lunch will be provided and those interested in registering must email Chaney at roxanne.k.chaney@wv.gov.
“We will be having a variety of professionals speaking during the day,” Chaney said, “and exhibitors from these professional organizations who will be there to provide resources and talk to families/caregivers.”
A few of these professionals in attendance will include United Summit Center, Disability Rights of WV, and Birth To Three. Discussions include suicide prevention, healthy grandfamilies, and a time of Q&A and sharing.
Mental health professionals say it is vital to acknowledge a loved one or family member has a problem and after that has been acknowledged, various services can help people with substance use disorder or other mental health problems.
“The purpose of this training for families,” Chaney said, “is they will become aware of various services available in the state of WV.”