Kanawha County paramedic remembered for helping others, community shines light on mental health

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — A community is remembering a beloved Kanawha County paramedic as well as highlighting the importance of mental health after she took her own life.

Kori White was 34-years-old and a paramedic with the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority, beginning work as a first responder in some capacity when she was 19-years-old.

White started as a dispatcher in Logan County and eventually became a paramedic, working in Boone County, Lincoln County and most recently Kanawha County.

“I always said that I wanted to be like her when I grew up because of how she took care of her patients, but it wasn’t just that, it was how good of a coworker she was also,” said Alex Metcalf, a friend of White. “She always had a smile on her face. She was always trying to keep things upbeat.”

Metcalf said from the moment she met Kori, she couldn’t forget her. She said Kori had an infectious personality and a smile that would light up a room. That smile is what others said they will also remember about White, but they’re also hoping to shed light on the struggles first responders face every day.

“You never know what call is going to bother you or what patient is going to stay with you, and it may not hit you right away,” Metcalf said. “Kori is a prime example. She is very good, always about let me put the job first, and then we can do the rest later.”

According to Capt. David Hodges with the Charleston Fire Department, in 2020, law enforcement, fire and EMS suicides exceeded the number of line of duty deaths.

“That’s very alarming we’re dying more at our willpower, at our hands, than in the line of duty,” Hodges said. “We’re trying to break that stigma, that saying we always hear about the general public. So many people are overlooked with their mental health problems, and we’re no different in the first responder world.”

No matter the call, Metcalf said Kori was there to respond with a smile on her face, uplifting those around her. Her years of service have not gone unnoticed.

“Our thoughts are with the family of Kori, and we want to remind the family that Kori did leave an impact,” Hodges said.

That impact has been seen across the state, with fire departments in Charleston, Dunbar, Sissonville, Loudendale and others offering their thoughts and prayers for Kori’s family and friends on social media.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOWK 13 News.