Current Events
Below you will find information about current events and information from our monthly newsletter.
The WV ESMH Initiative exists so that every student in West Virginia can benefit from a school environment that supports social and emotional wellbeing to achieve his or her full potential. We hope these resources help accomplish that mission.
Reinvigorating Classroom, Group, and School Climate: Everyday Strategies to Inspire Teachers, Mental Health Professionals, and Students
The verdict is in: for educators and for students, academics and social-emotional and character development proceed much more smoothly in classrooms that have a positive climate. In this workshop, 8 strategies to assess and build elements of classroom and group/team...
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the...
Webster County High Hosts Suicide Awareness Walk
A Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk was held at Webster County High School on Wednesday, September 16th. September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness, reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health,...
The Hidden Pressures Student Athletes Face
Student athletes are often praised for their discipline, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure. But beneath the surface, many young athletes quietly struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, emotional suppression, identity pressure, fear of failure,...
Start the Conversation: What Parents Should Know About Teen Dating Violence
Empower your teen to have healthy relationships! In this important conversation, Grace Higgs and Robin Jensen from CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) will discuss common myths about teen dating violence, the cycle of abuse, and how to talk with your teen...
What a Sweet Start to a Sweet Year in Summers County!
The first day of school is officially here, and there couldn’t be a sweeter way to welcome school administrators and Board Office staff back for another great year! On August 24, 2026, ESMH Coordinator Summer Bivins visited each Summers County school and the Board of...
Approved Tier 2 Evidence-Based Programs to Address Substance Use
The Bureau for Behavioral Health has released an updated list of approved Tier 2 evidence-based programs to address substance use. WVESMH grantees for the 2026-2027 year must implement at least one of the programs below. Blues Program (8-12) CharacterStrong (K-6)...
Brooke Middle’s Back to School Bash
On August 13, Brooke Middle School hosted a highly successful Back to School Bash to welcome students and families and kick off the new academic year. As the school's ESMH Coordinator, Ashley Flaherty of Youth Services System welcomed and engaged with 134 students...
Supporting Kids Through Challenging Divorce Situations
Discuss how to address parental arguments, absent parents, custody battles, children being caught in the middle, and safety concerns. Learn strategies to help children navigate these challenges and ensure their well-being with a licensed therapist. When: Oct 19, 2026...
World United Against Bullying: A Day of Action
Join educators, community leaders and advocates on World United Against Bullying Prevention Day, Oct. 5, to: Raise awareness of the importance of bullying prevention. Discover proven strategies to reduce bullying from leading experts. Connect with your peers who want...