In 2025, Southern Highlands achieved a significant milestone by becoming a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC). Through the CCBHC model, Southern Highlands has expanded its workforce and significantly increased access to services across the community, including more than doubling our school-based programs. This growth has enhanced collaboration with community partners and strengthened multidisciplinary treatment teams focused on consumer-driven goals. The result is more accessible, coordinated, and trauma-informed care that improves outcomes for individuals and families.
The children’s department of Southern Highlands recently premiered one of their newest projects, “The Great Vape Escape”, as part of their evaluation with CCBHC state partners. On March 25, 2026, Southern Highlands leadership team invited members of the CCBHC state board to be among the very first to tour the Great Vape Escape. The board offered valuable feedback as Southern Highlands continues to enhance this innovative project. This initiative was born out of a growing concern of vaping violations among students, including elementary-aged children.
Southern Highlands is delighted to collaborate with Highland Educational Project, WVU Extension-Wyoming County and the Wyoming County Prevention Coalition to provide an engaging and educational experience through a mobile escape room. Students embark on a journey into a fictional vape laboratory, where they must crack codes and solve puzzles to navigate the challenges. This immersive experience aims to educate students about the dangers of vaping, including the harmful chemicals used in vapes and the potential negative effects on their health.
The project has garnered attention, as more and more schools in Southern WV are requesting the Great Vape Escape experience for their students. Katie Williamson, Director of School Mental Health, provided an inside look at this innovative program during the April 22nd WVESMH Creativity Corner session. Watch the full recorded session below.
In combination with the escape room, Southern Highlands will offer many evidenced-based curricula options, including Catch My Breath, Indepth, Ripple Effects, and Botvin LifeSkills, to assist students in substance use prevention and intervention. Anyone interested in starting their own Great Vape Escape should contact Katie, who is working to formalize and copyright the program.