Reminder: The Importance of Wellness Checks

ELKINS, W.Va., July 21, 2025 — During the late afternoon of Thursday, July 17, the City of Elkins’ External Affairs office received a call from a concerned citizen living in Carson City, NV. The caller was concerned about an elderly cousin, with whom she had lost contact for several weeks despite their years-long tradition of exchanging letters and phone calls.

After requesting the relative’s address, City employees looked it up online. While a downtown location could have allowed for a City employee to perform an in-person check, the home—though bearing an Elkins address—was four miles outside the city, off Beverly Pike (the five-lane highway).

The caller explained that although she was born in Elkins, she had not lived in West Virginia for decades; her cousin was one of her last remaining relatives in the area. It then occurred to City employees that the caller could contact the Randolph County non-emergency line (304-636-2000).

We advised the caller that while our office is near the Elkins Police Department, the relative’s location fell outside city limits. Therefore, contacting the Randolph County non-emergency line would be the best course of action. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of that—my spouse and I are both retired law enforcement,” the caller replied. With no social media ties, her only leads were an address and phone number.

The next afternoon, a City employee followed up. The caller was relieved to report that a Randolph County sheriff’s deputy had visited the home and confirmed her cousin was in good health—and thrilled to reconnect with her Nevada relatives.

This incident highlights a critical service: If you’re uncertain about a loved one’s welfare—especially seniors or isolated individuals—a wellness check can provide peace of mind.

When requesting a wellness check, be prepared to provide the dispatcher with the following details:

• The individual’s full name, if known
• Their exact address, if possible
• Nature of the call (e.g., no contact for a period of time, mental health concerns)
• Last known contact, either by phone, text, or in-person
• Your relationship to the person
• Any known medical conditions
• Your contact information so the public safety official can follow up
• Any other information requested by the dispatcher; remember, they are here to help!

The City of Elkins thanks the county’s dispatcher and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for their swift action. This outcome, a happy one for this family, reaffirms the indispensable role of public safety teams in keeping our community safe and connected.