WV Drug Intervention Institute, Inc., Synergy Health, Inc. and First Choice Services
form Partnership to Increase Recovery Access in Kanawha County
June 8 - The West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (WV DII), Inc. located at the University of Charleston, Synergy Health, Inc. and First Choice Services have launched Project HELP designed increase assistance and support to Kanawha County persons contacting HELP4WV.
First Choice Services operates HELP4WV, West Virginia’s information and referral crisis line for those in need of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment. Callers seeking help can simply dial 1-844-HELP4WV and talk with someone who will help them find access to the treatment that best fits their needs.
First Choice Services CEO, Lata Menon, stated, “First Choice Services is excited about this new partnership. When trying to get help, knowing where to start can be the hardest part. Connecting callers in need to a Peer Recovery Coach – someone with personal lived addiction and recovery experience, is a great way to offer additional support to those seeking treatment.”
Project HELP allow callers seeking all pathways of recovery to connect directly and immediately with a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS). The PRSS will then work directly with callers to connect them with treatment providers in Kanawha County. Treatment will include both abstinence-based and medically assisted therapies based upon individual needs.
“Our hope is that by connecting callers to a PRSS immediately, they will be more likely to enter treatment quickly and maintain recovery,” said WV DII president, Dr. Susan Bissett. “PRSS staff will also work to connect persons to social and employment services to support their recovery and long-term success.”
Project HELP is being supported by a WV Sate Opioid Response (or SOR) grant and will begin June 8, 2020.
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About the WV DII The West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (WV DII) at the University of Charleston is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The mission of the WV DII is to reduce deaths in West Virginia from opioid and drug abuse by being (a) an independent advocate for life-enhancing drug policies, and practices, (b) a hub for coordinating drug response activities, and (c) an educational center to address the prevalence of drug abuse and the stigma of drug addiction. The Institute is housed at the University of Charleston in West Virginia’s state capital and is designed to: identify and assess best practices through research and data analysis, provide education programs on prescription drug safety, collaborate with municipalities and agencies to promote best practices to prevent overdose deaths, advocate for policies that promote educational and employment opportunities for those in recovery, and identify and implement prevention strategies.