West Virginia’s first Certified CIT Trainers to enhance emergency response for mental health crises

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — West Virginia’s first certified trainers of CIT, Crisis Intervention Team, are excited to work alongside emergency organizations throughout the area.

Individuals a part of CIT specialize in mental health and substance abuse.

This training allows them to better equip 911 dispatchers and first responders to help people experiencing those kinds of crises.

“First responders from 911 dispatchers to EMTs, police officers, to even mental health responders, we’ll be able to identify and respond to these crises to de-escalate them in a way that is going to be safer for everyone involved.”

Megan Elliott, family services navigator with NAMI Greater Wheeling

“So, we have scenarios that were provided by CIT International and then there were also scenarios that were developed in our training that are specific to West Virginia that are based on real calls that have been received.”

Kayla Straight, peer services navigator for NAMI Greater Wheeling

Both Elliot and Straight are looking forward to supporting people throughout the community who are experiencing a mental health emergency.

On July 31, at 5:30pm, NAMI and YWCA are showing the movie Hush at the West Virginia Northern Community College campus.

The movie focuses on African American mental health and the changes being made in that community.

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