West Virginia’s 24-hour substance abuse and behavioral health referral and outreach call line, 844HELP4WV, this week celebrates its two-year anniversary. Since its launch in September 2015, the call and text line has provided nearly 16,000 West Virginians with information or assistance.
“Thanks to 844HELP4WV, thousands of West Virginians have received the support and direction needed to make positive changes in their lives,” said Gov. Jim Justice. “With the continued dedication and innovation of programs like 844HELP4WV, I am confident that we will see progress in this fight against substance abuse.”
The 24-hour call and text line is administered through a collaborative partnership between the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and First Choice Services, a West Virginia-based company that has successfully operated West Virginia’s Problem Gambler Help Line for more than 15 years.
“844HELP4WV will continue to serve as a point of contact for West Virginians in times of crisis,” said DHHR Cabinet Secretary Bill J. Crouch. “With just one call or text, residents battling not only substance abuse, but depression and other behavioral health issues, can get started on the path to a brighter future.”
First Choice Services’ employees are professionally trained to engage callers in conversation, working on a one-on-one basis to determine the best steps moving forward for each individual. Callers can be immediately connected with treatment staff to help determine the most appropriate treatment option. The call line also provides appointment reminders, directions, and transportation assistance to ensure callers fulfill their appointments.
To help patients stay on track with their treatment, follow-up phone calls are placed to patients after the first 48 hours, the first week and the first month. Patients have access to any additional clinical information or resources on community-based programs and local support groups.
The creation of the call line was recommended by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Substance Abuse (GACSA), which now serves as the advisory board for DHHR’s newly formed Office of Drug Control Policy under the leadership of Gov. Jim Justice.
For more information, visit www.help4wv.com.