March 19th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

West Virginia is one of six states to participate in a federally funded policy academy to ensure access to 988 Suicide and Crisis Response Lifeline systems for those with intellectual and development disabilities, brain injury, and individuals who cannot rely on speech alone for communication.  This policy academy will provide a framework for leadership to initiate and sustain strategies to meet the immediate needs of children and adults requiring interventions available through 988 and crisis response, and forge cross system strategies to enable longer-term supports and services.