The Hope in Action Alliance (WVHIAA) advances the well-being of West Virginia by strengthening and building capacity to integrate services, invest in youth and families, and increase economic opportunities. Our coalition is here to support you and the work you do!
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The Alliance partnered with Marshall University's Center of Excellence for Recovery and WV Prevention Solutions to host the third annual Bridges Conference at Stonewall Resort. pictured (left to right): Raj Masih (Potomac Highlands Guild, Inc.), Barbie Masih (Potomac Highlands Guild, Inc.), Stephanie Stout (Board Member of West Virginia Hope in Action Alliance, Berkeley County Recovery Resource Center) |
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The Alliance is supporting the International Overdose Awareness Day event at the WV State Capitol. "On International Overdose Awareness Day, we unite in our shared grief and vulnerability, remembering the countless lives lost and the families who carry this pain," - JoAnna Vance, program coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee and WVHIAA Member |
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This will be the largest naloxone day of action to date! People across the eastern region of the country will be able to access this life-saving tool for free! SOAR is helping to coordinate and support over 300 community groups and leaders. The Alliance is a Lifesaver Sponsor and encourages members to be sponsors too! |
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In partnership with Potomac Highlands Guild, WV Prevention Solutions, and WVU Center of Excellence in Disabilities, this unique opportunity will provide breakout sessions, interactive workshops, panels, and presentations. Plan to attend on October 16 and 17 at Hotel Morgan. This is a free symposium you don't want to miss! Registration is required. Confirmed topics include: Substance Use Disorder Program for Youth Artivism in Appalachia Bridging Public Health and Safety in Communities Developing an Overdose Alert System
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Next Membership Meeting: Tuesday, October 15, 10:00 - 11:00 AM |
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Alliance Member Organization Spotlight: Jackson County Health Department |
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Note from the ED Mary Newlyn, Executive Director |
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On Saturday, people globally will commemorate their loved ones for International Overdose Awareness Day. As I think about those I have lost to addiction, deceased and living, I am reminded of why we do the work. It is easy to lose sight of our "why." You grow numb with every bad policy, stigmatizing headline, and presentation referring to people as statistics. Most people know someone who lost their fight, so we carry Naloxone, engage in community coalitions, and participate in prevention initiatives. Recently, I enjoyed a great conversation with a prominent member of the Alliance who is influential in the state. She noted that while we excel at celebrating recovery, we fall short in honoring the memory of those we've lost. Perhaps it's due to the sadness, as we, as a society, strive to progress and heal from the pain. But there is danger in forgetting or ignoring our shared grief, it is how we lose our "why." This observation is valid, and I also find myself grappling with the challenge of articulating the reasons behind my career choice. Many of us value our privacy and feel most secure when we keep our work and personal lives separate. This Alliance member encouraged me to share when I was ready, so here we go. *Please note a content warning for anyone currently struggling with their mental health or recovery. I am honoring a few special people this Saturday, one of which I have not mentioned much. In respecting his narrative, he shall be referred to as "D." D and I became great friends during our freshman year of high school. His brilliant mind was often overlooked by his inability to sit still in class. As athletes, we attended the same parties and had intermingled social circles. He grew up in a nice house in an upscale neighborhood with his parents and younger sister, but his life changed very quickly. After working on a school project, my mom picked us up and dropped him off at his house on our way home. His moods were variable, but the following day, I discovered my charming friend appearing low-spirited. He disclosed when he got home, he found another man's boots at the door. Soon after discovering the affair, his father left and relocated to another state. His mother sank into depression and began drinking heavily. His only remaining role model, his older cousin, graduated and went to college out west on a wrestling scholarship. D was also an amazing wrestler and probably would have been an All-American, but he dropped out of school our junior year. He got into fights, was always running away, and ended up in juvey a few times. He never completed his GED requirements and was put back into school for a bit. He was isolated and had a dwindling support system. Every time I encountered D, he sported a black eye yet always greeted me with a smile, showing more interest in discussing my life than his own. I think he always saw the worry on my face. |
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Years later, my mom encountered D at the Women's Health Center. He was with his then-girlfriend getting ready to welcome another child. That evening, D sent me a friend request on social media. We reconnected and I learned he needed a job. He was struggling to find employment with his record of offenses. He was participating in a recovery program and required a flexible employer. I told him my father-in-law was in recovery and looking for painters, but I wanted to meet D in person before sending over the referral. He called in a panic on the morning we were supposed to meet. He said he was caught with heroin and had been on the run. He was going to turn himself in but was scared he would lose his fiancé and never see his kids. He promised he wasn't using anymore. I refrained from asking questions; rather, I conveyed my wishes for his safety and well-being and my pride in his choice to surrender. After serving his sentence, we stayed in communication. We reflected on our teen years, and the joyous memories would inevitably shift to mourning those we had lost. Nearly half of the members of that state championship wrestling team tragically passed away in a brief period, due to overdoses and car accidents. Eventually, the messages became more erratic and suggestive, so I stopped responding. He called me late one night, and I let the phone ring. The next morning while I was entering the parking lot of my work, I learned he had overdosed and passed away. In shock, I walked into my supervisor's office and told her what happened. She hugged me, gave me cash, and said to grab a coffee and do whatever I needed. During that day's afterschool program, I spent extra time with a teenage boy who reminded me of D. We kicked the soccer ball back and forth and eventually he started to talk about his tumultuous home life. I listened and promised myself to never be the adult who stands by passively. Occasionally, I still experience guilt for not taking D's call. However, the professional me understands that answering it may not have altered the outcome. D reminds me of River Phoenix's character, Chris, in Stand by Me. They had significant potential but encountered many challenges and were subjected to unjust judgments. D was hilarious, impulsive, and daring, but most of all he was kind. Beneath his exterior, he was gentle and compassionate towards others. I remember a high school classmate saying D and I were like sunshine twins. She said it was not just because we were blondies, but because we radiated in gloomy rooms. During the Hope Gala, I received an honorable mention for the Sunshine Award, and my cohort at the Appalachian Leadership Institute gave me the trail name "Sunshine" during graduation week. Both times, I immediately thought about D and the statement our classmate made. I only wish he could have found sunshine during his darkest hour in his darkest room. That's my "why." In loving memory of my pal, 1994 - 2022 |
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Welcoming Our New Members! Ardella Cottrill, Trina Mullins, Barry-Lee Pace, Chrissy Sandy, and Carri Strunk. Do you know someone who would benefit from joining WVHIAA? Ask them to complete the Member Contact Form. |
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As fall approaches, it's time to begin the nomination process for the WVHIAA Board. Next week, you will receive detailed information and instructions on how to submit your nominations from Mary Newlyn, WVHIAA Executive Director. We strive to ensure that our Board of Directors reflects diverse sectors from all regions of West Virginia, bringing together various areas of expertise to meet the needs and goals of WVHIAA for the upcoming year. This year, we are particularly seeking nominations for individuals from the following regions - 1, 3, 4, and 6. We believe having board members from these regions will help us better address local challenges and leverage regional strengths. Additionally, we encourage nominations of individuals with expertise in business (fundraising and donor cultivation), data analysis, and program evaluation. |
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Your input as a WVHIAA member is highly valued and appreciated as we work to fill the nomination slate. We greatly appreciate your thoughtful nominations and your ongoing commitment to our state and communities. Your dedication and contributions to our state and communities strengthen our organization. We thank you for your continued support. Business: We are looking for board members who work in the business sector and have experience with fundraising and donor cultivation. As the Alliance expands its reach it also needs to grow its capacity.
Data Analysis: As we increasingly rely on data to guide our decisions and measure our impact, having board members skilled in data collection, analysis, and interpretation is essential.
Program Evaluation: To continuously enhance our initiatives, it is crucial to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of our programs. We seek nominees with expertise in developing metrics, conducting assessments, and using findings to refine our approach.
- Chair Angie Gray, Vice Chair Amy Snodgrass |
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Join the CADCA forum to connect with professionals across the state. You can share your events, job postings, resources, and more! |
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Buckhannon police peer liaison making an impactIn April, First Choice Services, a Charleston-based nonprofit providing helpline services for mental health and social service programs, partnered with the Buckhannon Police Department to add a peer liaison to their staff. The peer liaison was hired to provide outreach and assistance to vulnerable community members. |
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What's Happening in September? |
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Do you want us to promote your upcoming events? We promise to be your greatest hype team. Send your flyers our way! *Email info@wvhiaa.org with "Announcements" as the subject. |
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