WHEELING, W.Va. — Mental health professionals, community advocates, policymakers and residents gathered in Wheeling on Tuesday as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) West Virginia launched a statewide effort to gather feedback on behavioral health services.
The listening session marked the first stop in a series of meetings planned across West Virginia. Organizers say the goal is to hear directly from individuals who work in mental health, family members, community advocates and those with personal experience navigating the behavioral health system.
NAMI West Virginia Executive Director Julie Gomez said the tour is designed to identify both strengths and areas where additional support is needed.
Participants included behavioral health providers, educators, recovery organizations, law enforcement representatives and elected officials. Information collected during the meetings will be used to create a statewide report outlining key challenges, priorities and opportunities for improvement.
Among the issues discussed was access to mental health care, which leaders say remains a significant concern in many parts of the state.
State Sen. Ryan Weld noted that residents of the Northern Panhandle often benefit from their proximity to neighboring communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, where additional treatment options may be available. However, he said many rural areas of West Virginia do not have the same level of access.
Despite ongoing challenges, organizers emphasized that the discussions are intended to highlight successful programs and identify ways to build upon existing resources.
NAMI plans to host five listening sessions across West Virginia before releasing its findings later this year.
