HSCommunity: Resources for Healing, Social Justice
We make progress by working together to address systems and attitudes that impact the ability of every person to live their life with dignity and pursue their dreams with freedom.
In the meantime, give yourself time and space to process and reflect; seek and offer support; and pace yourself for the work yet to be done."
— Meshea L. Poore, Esq.
WVU Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Meshea L. Poore, Esq., Vice President for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, discusses the importance of checking in./ Behavioral & Wellness Resources
- Crisis Text Line
- Text WVU to 741 741
- Virtual Drop-In Space for Black-Identified Students
- Opportunity to meet with Black clinicians at Carruth Center
- Fridays at noon / Pre-register to join
- Schedule an appointment with BeWell's Counselor, Layne Hitchcock
- Call 304-293-1292, or
- Visit the BeWell website and click "Request an Appointment"
- Request an appointment with John Spraggins
- Spraggins is contracted with BeWell and available on Thursdays to meet virtually with students requesting to meet with a Black clinician
- Email layne.kehl@mail.wvu.edu to request an appointment
- Faculty and Staff Resource
- The WVU Faculty and Staff Assistance Program is a free, confidential service offered to employees and their dependents to provide a safe place to sort through problems and determine the best resources available.
/ Questions & Answers
Q: How does racism impact health?
A: Mental Health America defines race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) as the mental and emotional injury caused by encounters with racial bias and ethnic discrimination, racism, and hate crimes. Any individual that has experienced an emotionally painful, sudden, and uncontrollable racist encounter is at risk of suffering from a race-based traumatic stress injury.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently acknowledged the impact of racism on public health. A web portal, “Racism and Health,” has been launched to serve as a hub for activities, promoting a public discourse on how racism negatively affects health, and communicating potential solutions.
Last June, then-American Medical Association President Dr. Patrice Harris joined a special AMA report on how police violence and racism negatively impact public health.
Q: Aside from behavioral wellness, what other campus and community resources are available for Black-identified students, faculty and staff?
A. WVU has compiled a number of on-campus and community resources, including upcoming and annual events, student organizations, mentorship opportunities and more. Health Sciences has also compiled campus and community Resources & Services.
Q: How can I take action?
A: The WVU School of Public Health has compiled a number of ways to take action, including how to contact elected officials and joining local social justice organizations.