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Call numbers to HELP4WV for addiction help continue to climb above 30,000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 30,000 is the number of unique calls that have come into HELP4WV since its launch as a 24/7 call, chat and text line providing immediate help for West Virginians struggling with addiction and mental health issues and their loved ones.

“The fact that we’ve been able to help 30,000 people speaks volumes about our program and what we’re trying to here,” said Heather McDaniel, director of helpline services for First Choice Services which runs HELP4WV.

It’s funded through the state Department of Health and Human Resources.

The first call to 1-844-HELP4WV came in on September 9, 2015 for a service that was designed to streamline the process of seeking help for behavioral health issues by tapping into more than 1,000 resources statewide.

Those resources include potential referrals to residential treatment, psychiatric care, self-help groups, out-patient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, emergency care or peer support options.

“There’s a type of treatment for everyone,” McDaniel said.

The 30,000 call milestone was reached earlier this month.

“It’s, of course, an unfortunate thing that our state is struggling so much, but we’re just glad to be a part of the solution and that we have the trust of people, that they are willing to call us,” McDaniel said.

One of her colleagues agreed.

“I’m just really proud to be able to do something in the state that can really help people,” said Jeremy Smith, outreach coordinator for First Choice Services.

“I think when it comes to trying to combat the substance abuse problems we have, West Virginia’s doing a lot of really great things and we’re not just sitting on our hands doing nothing.”

In addition to the phone line, texts are accepted at the same number, 1-844-HELP4WV. The online chat is at help4wv.com and e-mails can be sent via the website as well.

Of those reaching out, “Every single phone call is a little bit different. There’s not a standard call here. Nothing is scripted information because every single person is going through something different at a different stage in their life,” McDaniel explained.

There are some common questions, though, she said, like “Am I going to get in trouble for calling?” and “Are you going to be able to find me help?”

McDaniel said the answer to the first question is “no” and the answer to the second question is “yes” with a staff of between 14 and 16 helpline call workers responding with no judgment.

Follow-up calls come after 48 hours, one week and one month.

“We’re available 24/7. They never have to worry about getting an answering machine or someone not answering because there’s always someone here willing to help.”

Additionally, if necessary, there are recovery coaches — all in recovery themselves — available in northern and southern West Virginia to meet in person with callers.

“I couldn’t even count how many people have called us back or when we call them to follow up they say, ‘If it wasn’t for this helpline, I don’t think I would be here right now,'” McDaniel said.

“We do hear that on a pretty regular basis.”

It’s encouraging, said Smith, and serves as motivation to do more.

“We’re fighting with every part of our being to do what we can to help our fellow West Virginians,” he told MetroNews.





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