Regional Task Force Advances Mental Health and Transportation Initiatives at March 2026 Meeting

ELKINS, W.Va. — March 30, 2026 — The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health convened on the afternoon of March 26, 2026, at the Phil Gainer Community Center, bringing together local officials and community partners to address ongoing challenges in North Central West Virginia. Task Force chair Dave Parker called the meeting to order.

Grant Opportunities and Needs Assessment

The Task Force discussed the upcoming grant cycle for the West Virginia First Foundation, which opens June 1. Region 4 was noted as the second-highest funded region in the previous Catalyst Grant cycle.

Additionally, the Foundation will conduct a statewide needs assessment on April 20, meeting with expert panels from each region. Task Force members were encouraged to pass along any needs or priorities to Police Chief Travis Bennett at tbennet@cityofelkinsw.gov for inclusion in the discussion.

Mental Health Services

A key focus of the meeting was discussing the expansion of mental health services. WV Sober Living announced it will begin offering therapy for juveniles within the next month. Services will be available in Morgantown, Charleston, and via telehealth, addressing needs related to addiction, mental disorders, and abuse recovery. Other service providers that Task Force participants noted include Youth Health Services, WVU Medicine, Valley Health, and Appalachian Community Health Center.

Transportation for Treatment Purposes

Significant progress was reported on addressing transportation barriers. S. Pennington announced a willingness to assist with coordination, focusing on a “Mode of Care” approach to help individuals become contract drivers. The Refinery Church also committed two people to assist with transportation. Additionally, the organizations Seed Sower and Routes to Recovery are looking to expand into the area but require community buy-in.

Partner Updates and Emerging Trends

The Task Force discussed which local partners should be invited to join, with Youth Health Services specifically mentioned.

Members also shared observations on emerging trends, including:

• Increased use of vacant structures, with owners failing to properly secure properties.
• A rise in the number of people using food giveaways.
• A reduction in services, particularly free training programs, due to continued loss of funding.

Announcements and Upcoming Events

Several community announcements and upcoming events were shared:

• One Unique Recovery House: Hosting SIGMA Day on May 2, featuring HIV testing, food trucks, and games.
• Community Concert: Scheduled for June 13, featuring several local bands, including one formed by former residents.
• Community Care: Announced Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) availability at its Buckhannon and Clarksburg locations.
• PAX Tools for New Beginnings Training: Scheduled for April 21 in Buckhannon.
• United Way: Promoting its Community Needs Assessment and “Thriving Community Survey.”
• Food Giveaway: Randolph County Family Resource Network’s next mobile pantry is April 16 at Camp Pioneer Park.
• Legal Aid Webinar: A webinar on Legal Decision-Making Options is scheduled for April 30.
• Champions for Children Event: Scheduled for April 17 in Parsons to support the Randolph Tucker CAC.
• Baby Pantry: A free resource event for families with children under five will be held April 10 at the Phil Gainer Community Center.

Next Task Force Meeting

The Task Force’s next meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Phil Gainer Community Center. Members were asked to bring any transportation contact information to the next meeting.

About the Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health:

Established in May 2021, this task force brings together local officials, law enforcement, and community organizations to address homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health needs; it meets monthly in Elkins, WV. The Task Force strives to identify gaps in services, coordinate resources, and implement sustainable solutions to these challenges in North Central West Virginia—including identifying peer recovery support specialists (PRSS), safe sober-living spaces, and expanded recovery facilities.

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