Lakie Delida, an Adult Drug Court Coordinator for the state Supreme Court in Mercer County, has lived on both sides of the judicial system. As a recovering addict who was incarcerated for 22 months and lost custody of her children at one point, she is now thriving personally and professionally with an inspirational career throughout behavioral health.

"I had to get out of my own way to be able to thrive. And here I am. I was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. I could have either let that destroy me or (I could) rise up. And I chose the latter."

Mark Drennan joins us to close out the 2023 West Virginia Legislative Session and explain certain bills that passed and what they mean for the future of behavioral healthcare in The Mountain State.

"I'm sure they're reading these articles and are mad about some of these things that did happen and (about) the people who did make mistakes. And at the same time, they feel like they're painted with that same brush and I don't think that's fair."

Mark Drennan joins us today to discuss the recent reports surrounding the IDD setting in West Virginia. Mark says that while no abuse or neglect is acceptable in any scenario, the majority of the IDD workforce should be commended for the around-the-clock and compassionate care they give to individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities, especially throughout Covid and during the industry's most dire workforce shortage.

Mark Drennan joins us today to explain the current proposed legislation that will restructure the West Virginia DHHR, splitting it into three separate divisions. House Bill 2006 has passed through both the Senate and the House, and now sits on Governor Jim Justice's desk for approval.

To read the bill in its entirety, click here: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb2006%20sub%20enr.htm&yr=2023&sesstype=RS&i=2006

"As this workforce crisis permeates (through) the whole country, and the issue with mental illness and children being raised in the system (partly) due to our opioid crisis that started here in Appalachia, we're seeing those kids now that have been affected by that. We have kids that may be living in hospitals for, unfortunately, years. And that's not appropriate."  

Mark Drennan joins us again this week to discuss the importance of proper Continuum of Care in West Virginia.

As we near the halfway point of the 2023 Legislative Session, Mark Drennan joins us today to discuss the issues surrounding Mental Hygiene in our state and how House Bill 3115 relates to the challenges the process is facing.   

To read HB3115 in its entirety follow the link here:  https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_St...

Mark Drennan, CEO of the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association, joins us today to talk about the need for a permanent rate increase among workforce servicing individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities in West Virginia. The IDD workforce hasn't received a significant pay rise since 2011 and in that time, inflation has increased by 31%. While cost of living and other expenses have also risen, a permanent wage rate is critically needed to properly staff the IDD workforce with the highest quality of care.

John Taylor, a client at Autism Services Center and resident of Huntington, WV, shares his inspiring story with us.   

Alongside his longtime staff Emily Young & sister/guardian Mollie Taylor, our own Lake Morehouse discussed John's journey and the bond he's built with his staff over the years, as well as the critical workforce shortage the Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) system is facing in West Virginia.

"This career is so much more than a paycheck. I (respect and) know that people hold doctors in high regard. But this (career) is of that level of importance. I don't think anyone can fully understand the impact of our jobs."  

Angie Hamilton Thomas, Executive Director of Pressley Ridge, sat down to talk to us about her fulfilling 30-year journey within children, youth, and family services and how she turned an entry-level role position into an executive-level career path.