CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Many people in recovery are answering the growing numbers of calls to the West Virginia Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Helpline which recently crossed the 10,000 call mark.
“It makes a huge difference for someone when the person on the other end of the line says that they understand and they actually mean that because they’ve been exactly where they’re at,” said Heather McDaniel, director of HELP4WV, of the trained helpline agents.
“They’ve lost everything and, kind of, had to start all over so they completely get where they’re at and they’re able to be a huge support for them.”
Launched in September 2015, the HELP4WV call and text line is available 24 hours a day at 1-844-HELP4WV (1-844-435-7498) with trained agents on hand to refer people to available treatment.
Assistance is also an option online at www.HELP4WV.com.
On average, HELP4WV receives 236 calls per week.
“They can usually within 24 to 48 hours have them starting some type of treatment,” explained McDaniel.
“Whether that be inpatient, outpatient, detox, hooking them up with a recovery coach that can meet with them in person, we can have them started doing something fairly quickly.”
The service, though, is not limited to people personally seeking help with substance abuse or behavioral health issues.
“It’s for anyone within the state of West Virginia,” McDaniel said during a Monday appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.”
“They don’t have to be struggling with that issue. It can be a family member or friend. Maybe they just want to know what to look for or what’s a good route for them to go to talk to their family member about that.”
First Choice Services operates the HELP4WV helplines which are funded through the state Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities.