SUMMARY: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will discontinue its specialized option for LGBTQIA+ youth after July 17th, a feature introduced in 2022 that connected callers with trained LGBTQIA+ counselors. The Department of Health and Human Services cites a focus on serving all help seekers, but advocates like Chris Gossett of Rainbow Pride of West Virginia worry this change will disproportionately harm isolated areas where specialized support is crucial. LGBTQIA+ youth face elevated suicide risks, making targeted help vital. Despite the removal, the general 988 lifeline remains available, providing counseling to all callers, though concerns persist about the loss of tailored support.

An extension on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that offers specific help to LGBTQIA+ youth will be eliminated next month, raising concerns for West Virginia advocates.

FULL STORY: https://wchstv.com/news/local/988-suicide-lifeline-to-drop-lgbtqia-youth-option-raising-concerns-from-advocates#
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SUMMARY: Southern West Virginia is experiencing very warm conditions under a high-pressure system, with temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s in cities like Beckley (88°), Charleston (93°), and Morgantown (90°). Humidity adds to the heat, and winds are light from the north. The evening offers long daylight, but it’s advised to stay hydrated outdoors. Isolated showers remain unlikely until Thursday, when the high pressure weakens, increasing chances for thunderstorms and more humid conditions. Temperatures tomorrow will be mostly in the lower to mid-90s, with some areas feeling hotter, followed by slightly cooler but still warm days later in the week.

Dangerous heat continues to have its grip on the region this afternoon. More heat is in the forecast, but later this week, we’ll trade the heat and dry air for slightly less heat and showers and storms.

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SUMMARY: Wayne County launched a new county-owned and operated ambulance service starting Sunday at 8 a.m., unveiling three advanced life support ambulances costing \$300,000 each. The move addresses longer emergency response times, fewer volunteer paramedics, and increased call volume—up to 1,200 calls in three months. Healthnet Air Medical Services will manage the program with 20 newly hired and trained staff. Volunteer fire department ambulances remain first responders, but county ambulances will assist when volunteers are unavailable. County ambulances will be stationed strategically in Prichard Industrial Park and Genoa to improve coverage in underserved areas. The new EMS levy recently approved by voters funded the initiative.

Wayne County officials added three new Advanced Life Support ambulances to the county-owned and operated emergency service. Finances, response times and a declining number of volunteer paramedics on local fire department ambulances factored into more county involvement.

FULL STORY: https://wchstv.com/news/local/wayne-county-to-launch-new-county-owned-and-operated-ambulance-service#
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