Dedication ceremony marks the beginning of improved mental healthcare services in Barbour County

BELINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — Barbour County Community Health Services held a dedication ceremony to honor the grand opening of a new medical building in Belington.

The new Barbour Behavioral Health Building, also known as the William M. Kester, Jr. Center for Behavioral Health, will transform the delivery of comprehensive behavioral health services by the Barbour County Health Association. The new medical building includes larger therapy rooms and specialized areas for group therapy and psychological testing, which will support a wide range of therapeutic approaches and accommodate the needs of different patient groups.

“Patients can be seen on one level, this is ADA compliant, and so we want to really reach as many people as possible and help eliminate any barriers to them getting appropriate health care,” said Jamie Wilson, Director of School-Based Behavioral Health.

Though the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony were held Friday, the building still has to receive its finishing touches, such as painting, flooring and furniture to make it a more welcoming environment.

Reg Trefethen, President of the Board of Directors for Barbour Community Health, said that the project could not have been completed without grant funding from the center’s namesake.

“He had the matching donation and so we are very honored to, for his support and recognition of our organization,” Trefethen said.

The William M. Kester, Jr. Center for Behavioral Health is set to open to the public at the end of September.

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