Substance use prevention in Region 3 (Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt, and Wood counties) has continued to adapt to respond to community needs challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Region 3 Prevention Lead Organization grantee, Westbrook Health Services, has applied for additional PFS funding in order to provide universal prevention education; has continued to provide targeted and indicated education through the state PFS grant; and has expanded capacity through training community partners in evidence-based prevention programming. Despite limitations related to the pandemic, we were able to support evidence-based education in schools and community organizations such as the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club.
Throughout Region 3, we have reduced access to prescription medication through distribution of Deterra medication disposal pouches and through supporting drug take back days. We have helped law enforcement address the public health risks associated with used syringes by providing appropriate sharps disposal containers, and have also promoted health engagement strategies by training 198 seniors in Health Literacy, empowering self-advocacy for appropriate treatment.
Other activities include engaging our communities through public service announcements (PSAs) addressing mental health, alcohol awareness, and stigma reduction. These PSAs were heard over 58,300 times. To build on this awareness, we offered or supported alternative activities for youth and their families including movie nights, back-to-school events, and school-based functions such as proms.
Partnerships have continued to evolve and grow throughout the region. We have partnered to support the Save a Life Day naloxone distribution in Wood County, promoted statewide initiatives including Help and Hope WV, Stigma Free WV, and Prevention First programs. We have distributed information about supportive resources such as Help4WV, Help304, and 1-800-Gambler. Building upon resource promotion, we have actively collaborated with community coalitions to provide access to trainings such as CADCA Leadership Forum, co-hosted a Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training with the Region 1 Prevention Lead Organization, and are preparing to join with PLOs across the state to host a CADCA Boot Camp.