Lawmakers gather for Charleston crisis intervention summit

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — The West Virginia Crisis Intervention summit kicked off in the capital city Monday.

Members of law enforcement, behavioral health, EMS and policymakers joined together under the same roof in Charleston to tackle any hurdles when it comes to crisis care.

Participants can use this three-day opportunity to learn about developing crisis intervention models and evidence based strategies to reduce the risks of mental health issues.

“Because of what they’re seeing on the street, because what they’re dealing with, you know, those distress calls have been talked about. Upwards of 50% of those individuals are suffering some sort of mental health crisis. And, a lot of those individuals have mental health crises induced by drug use. So, it’s more important that they get trained and know how to deal with that,” said Kanawha County Delegate Hollis Lewis (D).

First Choice Services, which is the Charleston-based non profit that introduced several helplines like 988, is hosting the summit. It continues through Wednesday.

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