The West Virginia Psychological Association (WVPA) held their Annual Fall Conference at the Morgantown Waterfront Marriott on September 18th, with the theme “Resilient Appalachia: Advancing Rural Mental Health in the Mountain State”. We were honored to be chosen to participate among a limited number of exhibitors. Diane Williams and Roger Neptune represented DBSA WV, spreading the word about our organization’s services to a large turnout of the state’s psychologist community.
On Sept 17th, DBSA WV exhibited at the WVU Fall 2026 CommUNITY Engagement Expo at the Mountainlair student union, sponsored by the WVU Center for Community Engagement. While there, we advertised our free peer-led mood disorder support groups and 1-on-1 peer support, as well as networked with many other nonprofit organizations, trading information to spread the word about all the services available to those in need. We also recruited student volunteers to assist us with outreach. It was encouraging to see many students taking an interest in our cause.
For the 25th anniversary 9/11 event to honor local first responders and veterans, DBSA WV exhibited alongside 85 other organizations at the Morgantown Armory on Sept 11, 2026. It was a huge event, sponsored by Valley HealthCare System, and we are honored to have participated.
Schedule of Events…
Day 1: September 1st
8:30 AM On-Site Registration Opens
9:00 AM Training: Adult Mental Health First Aid (Part 1)
12:00 PM Lunch Break
12:30 PM Training: Adult Mental Health First Aid (Part 2)
4:30 PM End of Day 1 Event
Day 2: September 2nd
8:30 AM On-Site Registration Opens
9:00 AM Training: SafeTALK (In-Person Only, Not Streamable)
12:30 PM Lunch Break
1:30 PM Training: Challenging Stigma
2:30 PM Training: Naloxone
3:30 PM Training: Compassion Fatigue
4:30 End of Day 2 Event
Trainer Bios:
Lead trainer Vicki Cooper is a social worker that graduated with a Master’s degree focused on Community Organizing and Social Administration. This led to her being drawn to working in social environments, being present in communities, engaging in systems change, and supporting evidence-based prevention strategies and education. She believes that empathy, understanding, and collaboration are the most important characteristics she brings to her work because nothing can be done alone.
Chelsea Bly, co-trainer for Adult Mental Health First Aid, is a wife and mom of three boys, and her family is at the center of her life. Professionally, she is the Associate Director of Children’s Services at Valley HealthCare System, where she is passionate about helping children and families, as well as strengthening the support systems and communities here in North Central West Virginia. She has degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice, and committed to creating meaningful opportunities for children, teens, and families to feel supported and empowered. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, watching Anime, and listening to true crime.
Tom Willis is a certified SafeTALK instructor. He is also currently one of the coordinators for “Together With Veterans”, a suicide prevention organization that focuses on Veteran mental health and other needs, at American Legion Post 31 in Shinnston WV. The program is entering their 7th year and is a 501(c)3 organization.
Register at https://form.jotform.com/260905732807056 (CLOSED)
Pay by PayPal at http://paypal.me/DBSAWV ($15 per person, includes both days)
If you would like to volunteer some time to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of West Virginia, please contact us by phone or email. We would appreciate extra help, especially during our 2 Day Training Event at Euro-Suites in Morgantown on Sept 1 & 2.
UPDATE: Position has been filled.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of WV (DBSA WV) accepted applications for the position of Administrative Assistant for our state office located at the Mountaineer Mall in Morgantown. The standard working hours are 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, and every other Saturday. Starting pay is $15 per hour. Events will occasionally require additional availability and travel. This position begins as a 90-day contract, with a review to determine continued employment. If interested, please contact Libby by phone at 304-629-1779 or by e-mail at wv65byrd@aol.com
Summary of Job Duties/Requirements:
DBSA WV will be hosting a free online presentation about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) on July 31st starting at 10am for approximately one hour. Registration is required in advance to receive the meeting link. See flyer for session details.
DBSA WV has partnered with Chipotle on 117 Foxtown Drive (off Pierpont Exit of I-68 in Morgantown) for a fundraiser. On July 11th from 4PM to 8PM, please use code 2Z9ARLX when ordering at the restaurant and/or for self-pickup. 25% of sales will be donated to DBSA WV if we reach $150 in total sales (Code 2Z9ARLX must be used; Delivery orders and gift cards do not count toward our total). More details here.
National Schizophrenia Awareness Day is observed on July 25 to highlight the daily challenges of living with the diagnosis. It aims to educate the public, debunk harmful stereotypes, and combat the social stigma and isolation that patients often face. Brochures about Schizophrenia are available for free from DBSA WV by visiting our Morgantown office.
Please contact us about this and other free brochures on many mental health topics. Our resources are here for you.
DBSA WV 