Newsletter May 2024

May 2024

Mid-Year Training

This is a reminder the Mid-Year Training will take place on May 15th, 2024 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. As per a vote at the March Teleconference it will take place at Jackson’s Mill in the Greenbrier Room (the room below the dinning hall). You can also attend by Zoom. The link is posted on the People First of WV Facebook Page. The training topic as selected by self-advocates will be more on Internet Safety.

At the Advisory Board Meeting following Mid-Year Training, we will also vote on the classes and t-shirt design and color for this year. The list for the classes the self-advocates will vote from was made by compiling the top three classes from each People First Group across the state.

The deading to register is due May 8th, 2024. If you are attending in person and have dietary restrictions or allergies please put that on your registration. Please click here to register

Top 3 T-Shirt Designs

These are the top 3 t-shirt designs as voted on during the April Teleconference. The advisory board will vote on the final design during the meeting at Mid-Year Training.

Don’t forget each group gets 2 representatives to vote at the Advisory Board meeting. Please get with your group and select which t-shirt design the group wants your representative to vote for.

People First of WV 2024 Conference

The 2024 People First of WV Conference will be held on September 4th, 5th, and 6th. The registration form will go out June 1st, 2024 online and through the mail. If you need yours sent via mail please contact Alexis Ullmann at alexis.ullmann@thearcmov.org or 304-422-3151 Ext 114 or Morgan Spicer at morgan.spicer@thearcmov.org or 304-422-3151 Ext 129.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness

about the importance of mental health and to advocate for those who are struggling with mental illness. This year, more than ever, it is critical to bring attention to mental health and the impact it has on our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a significant amount of stress and anxiety for people all over the world. From social isolation to economic uncertainty, the pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. According to a recent survey, 4 in 10 adults in the United States reported symptoms of anxiety or depression during the

pandemic, up from 1 in 10 adults in 2019. It is more important than ever to prioritize our mental health and seek help when needed.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, there are resources available to help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. You can learn more at www.nami.org The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also offers a national helpline for individuals struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues. You can learn

more at www.samsha.org ! Let us come together during Mental Health Awareness Month to prioritize our mental health and support those who are struggling with mental illness. Remember, we are all in this together.

April’s Legislative Matters Now!

Don’t miss a new episode of Legislative Matters Now! In this episode, Morgan had the chance to speak with West Virginia Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher about how he became a West Virginia Delegate and the importance of legislative advocacy!

During our Advocate in Action segment, Alexis Ullmann had the chance to speak to Teresa Smith, Whitney Teal, and Melissa Smitley from FCIC about the importance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you would like more information and resources you can visit www.fcichaven.org .

The new episode is available on the People First of West Virginia Facebook page and the People First of West Virginia YouTube page! Click Here to watch it!

IDD- Waiver

Advocates, it is time to make your voice heard on a very important bill that supports the IDD Waiver Program! In the current bill it will cut vital funding that many people in our community use.

There are some ways you can help raise awareness and spread the word! You can join the Title XIX Waiver Facebook page for up to date information! The Arc of Mid-Ohio Valley’s website has a section just for this which will show you ways you can advocate! You can visit https://thearcmov.org/dont-cut-our-lifeline/ .

The rally was held April 14th, 2024. So now’s the time to get with your legislators and tell them why it is important not to cut these funds.