Latest news with #RiverValleyBehavioralHealth
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Owensboro's efforts to fight the fentanyl epidemic
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — Recent reports by the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy show fentanyl involved in over 70 percent of overdose deaths in the state. 'The fentanyl on the streets [is] currently 100 times more potent than morphine. Most of the time they're pressed pills so you don't really know how much you're getting that makes it more dangerous. It was really pushed in the poor communities…Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, things like that, mining communities ,' says Melanie Stanishia, a psychiatric mental health nurse at RVBH. Experts say the drug—was originally designed to alleviate severe pain that follows surgeries and injuries sustained in the military—but was altered in the nineties to be more addictive. It also sends dopamine, a feel good hormone, into overdrive. In Owensboro, River Valley Behavioral Health says one of the biggest challenges is it's commonly used without people knowing …in almost any drug people have access to.'So, you could buy a marijuana pen and then find out that it has fentanyl in it. We have tested people for that, and they do have it in there. It's not necessarily what you intended to buy or use, but that's how they're getting it in. There's a lot of times it is very unintentional,'says Stanishia. RVBH is working to save lives through medical assisted treatment, which combines FDA approved medications, like Suboxone. It's combined with counseling to help what they describe as the 'whole person'. The goal is to get people through the hardest parts of withdrawal and then slowly reduce the dose over time for clients as they move forward on their sobriety journey. 'Whenever you're coming down off of the drug, it's the worse it is literally the worst feeling you'll ever feel. You're just so nauseated. You have the sweats, tons of anxiety,' says Kattie Baker, who's currently enrolled in MAT at the facility. 'A lot of times people say [they] feel like they're crawling out of their skin,' says Stanishia. Studies on the treatment style show a 59 percent decrease in overdose deaths. Baker says MAT is what's helped her. She was sober for several years, and even enrolled herself in therapy, before realizing she needed help to stay the course.'You're want to use… It completely blocks it out. [At least] for me, it does. People can be clean for ten years and still have triggers. I was getting to that point where I was scared I was going to use. With the overdoses I've had in the past, I was very scared I was going to end up killing myself,' says Baker. Baker says she's looking forward to the day where she no longer relies on the medicine, but has since repaired her relationship with her family, regained custody of her daughter and rekindled things with her significant other. 'I started praying a lot, and I started leaning on God. I truly believe that that's one of the big reasons I [continue to be] successful in sobriety,' says Baker. That belief is something many in recovery hold onto, including women in the Friends of Sinners program, a Christian-based treatment center across town. Megan Stout and Kieara Aubrey, both 24-years-old, say their faith has made the difference. 'I've tried other programs before this, but secular programs. I just relapsed every time,' says Aubrey. 'I started using at the end of 2019…beginning of 2020. I used up until I got arrested June of 2023. I was in there for a while. I found God in that jail cell,' says Stout. Both women share stories of one drug leading to another and using the substance to work through anxiety, depression and even loss. 'It just numbed me to everything, numbed me from the world you know? At the end, it was to the point that I was using and not getting high anymore. I was ready to do something different,' says Aubrey. Aubrey has lost both of her parents, one to an overdose. She says giving her six-year-old son a life different than hers plays a huge factor. 'I've achieved a lot. I got my G.E.D.. I'm supposed to start school in August. I got a really good job. I just bought my first car. I'm doing really well. I've been through a lot with my parents and stuff, and I just don't want.. I want my son to have a better life than I did,' says Aubrey. Stout is just one month away from graduating out of the year-long program. '[Fentanyl] killed one of my best friends. This stuff is killing people. It's not worth it. I did get on the proper medication [for depression and anxiety] that I need. I always go to the bible, contact my sponsor, or I talk to one of the girls here. I go play with my nieces,' says Stout. As treatment options continue to evolve, officials say the goal remains the same: to turn the tide on addiction and give more people the chance to live a drug-free future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
RVBH shares statistics about Fentanyl use in the Tri-State
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- One of the leading causes of death for people ages 18-45 is Fentanyl overdose. Megan Phillips with River Valley Behavioral Health joins the Daybreak crew to discuss the statistics about the dangerous drug in the Tri-State. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
River Valley Behavioral Health discusses fentanyl prevention and education
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- River Valley Behavioral Health joins the Daybreak Crew to discuss how education and awareness about fentanyl can help to save a life. The organization provides programs include carrying Narcan, holding informational sessions to discuss the realities of fentanyl addiction and how to potentially save someone's life by administering aid when someone overdoses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
RVBH receives $1.5M grant to enhance suicide, crisis hotline
RiverValley Behavioral Health (RVBH) has been awarded $1.5 million by the Kentucky Department of Behavioral Health to enhance the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline network. The funding will enable the expansion of 24/7 chat and text services across Kentucky, improving access to critical mental health and crisis support for individuals throughout the state. 'RiverValley Behavioral Health submitted a strong proposal showcasing our deep expertise in crisis response, extensive resources and ability to scale services statewide,' said Dr. Wanda Figueroa, RVBH president and CEO. 'Our long-standing commitment to compassionate, high-quality crisis care positioned us as the right choice, and we are honored to be entrusted with this responsibility to serve the entire commonwealth.' The Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to expand 988 crisis chat and text services across the state. This funding was established to address the increasing demand for crisis support and ensure that every Kentuckian can access immediate, confidential mental health assistance through the communication method that feels most comfortable — phone, text, or chat. Since the launch of 988 — the national three-digit mental health crisis line — in July 2022, the number of Kentuckians utilizing chat and text services has grown dramatically. According to DBHDID, in the first year alone, texts surged by 160% (from 452 to 1,174) and chats increased by 138% (from 333 to 782). By 2024, 988 texts and chats in Kentucky are projected to reach nearly 25,000 contacts — an average of 1,800 interactions per month. Figueroa said RVBH was selected for this critical role because of its proven track record in providing high-quality, accessible crisis services, which includes more than 20 years as a trusted leader in mental health crisis response, its crisis services being accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), and the launch of Kentucky's first 24/7 mobile mental health crisis team, among other factors. Beyond crisis response, RVBH has experience providing statewide support services for problem gambling. It was selected by the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling to operate the statewide problem gambling helpline, further proving its ability to deliver specialized mental health support at a statewide level. 'Our ability to quickly adapt to emerging needs also played a key role in our selection,' Figueroa said. 'We have seen a significant shift in how people seek help, particularly among younger individuals, who increasingly prefer text and chat over phone calls. These platforms provide a greater sense of privacy, security, and accessibility, making it easier for individuals to reach out for support. Because of our existing infrastructure, experienced staff, and commitment to meeting people where they are, we were well-prepared to take on this essential role for the entire state. 'Most importantly, this opportunity would not have been possible without our incredible Crisis Support Team. Their compassion, dedication and expertise form the foundation of the high-quality, lifesaving care we provide every day. It is their excellence that will drive this program forward.' RVBH will continue to operate its own crisis line while also taking on this expanded role as Kentucky's statewide 988 chat and text responder. The additional funding will allow RVBH to hire and train 15 new staff members, ensuring that every chat and text through 988 is answered by highly trained professionals equipped to support individuals in crisis. 'To support this new initiative, we will create a dedicated unit within our crisis team that will focus specifically on 988 chat and text services,' Figueroa said. 'This means that our existing crisis line services will not be affected — instead, this is an opportunity to enhance and expand access for people who prefer to reach out through text or chat. 'Our crisis responders will receive specialized training in how to effectively support and engage with individuals seeking help through digital communication. Responding to a crisis via text is different from a phone call, and we are committed to ensuring our team is fully equipped to provide the best care possible. By adding this service, we are giving more people in Kentucky more ways to access help — when they need it, how they need it.' Figueroa said there are several key factors that have contributed to the increase in 988 crisis calls, texts, and chats, including increased awareness and accessibility, youth and digital communication preferences, economic and social stress, loneliness and isolation and substance use and co-occurring disorders. 'This grant is about more than just expanding services — it's about saving lives,' she said. 'It ensures that every Kentuckian, no matter where they live, has access to immediate, professional mental health support when they need it most. 'I want to acknowledge the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) for their leadership in expanding crisis services and setting a national example in making mental health care more accessible. Their dedication to breaking down barriers to care is truly making a meaningful difference in people's lives.' Figueroa said the initiative will be led by Michelle Nobles, RVBH vice president of outpatient and crisis services, and Dr. Lionel Phelps, RVBH vice president of population health. She said their leadership, expertise and dedication will ensure that RVBH's team continues to provide the highest level of care to those in need. 'We recognize the critical role that mental health and crisis services play in the well-being of our communities,' Nobles said. 'This funding will allow us to provide immediate, compassionate, and locally focused care for individuals in distress. We're proud to be part of Kentucky's commitment to mental health, and we're ready to ensure that every person who reaches out to 988 receives the support they deserve, from highly trained professionals right here in the commonwealth.'
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
RiverValley Behavioral health receives grant to expand mental health services
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- A $50,000 grant from the Foundation for a Health Kentucky will help to expand mental health and addiction services in the Owensboro Community. Flu cases continue to rise in the Tri-State The grant is a part of a partnership between RiverValley Behavioral Health and the H.L. Neblett Community Center. Rivervalley officials say the funding will help to expand peer support, prevention, mental health services and access to mental health services in the Owensboro Community. Officials say that the partnership will also enable RiverValley to place a peer support specialist at the H.L Neblett Center, enhancing access to mental health services in the Northwest Neighborhood. H.L. Neblett Center officials say the grant will also enable them to offer staff training, facilitate workshops, and enhance outreach efforts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
