Wellness in Action

08/30/2025

🌟 Friday Gratitude 🌟

This week, as we reflect on the power of peer support, the National Peer Recovery Alliance extends heartfelt thanks to all who stand with us at the intersection of Overdose Awareness and Su***de Awareness. Your compassion, understanding, and dedication to supporting others through recovery and mental health challenges make a life-changing impact. 💙💜

On August 31, we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember those we’ve lost to overdose, support those in recovery, and raise awareness to end this crisis. Together, through peer support, we create safe spaces for healing, hope, and connection—reminding each other that no one walks this journey alone. 🤝

Thank you to our peer support workers, allies, and communities for showing up with empathy and strength. Let’s continue to honor lives, break stigma, and build a future of recovery and resilience.💪

What are you grateful for today?


***deAwareness

08/26/2025

This week is —a time to remember lives lost to overdose, raise awareness, and act. Learn more about preventing and ending overdose and find resources to help those affected: samhsa.gov/end-overdose

08/25/2025

08/22/2025

Today on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, we honor the memory of lives lost to fentanyl overdoses. SAMHSA stands with families and communities, raising awareness about the dangers of fake pills and illegally made fentanyl. Learn more: samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/overdose-prevention

08/18/2025

Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life)https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/recovery-month/toolkit

08/18/2025

Up next!! Come out and support!

08/15/2025

The skills and relationships students build in your classrooms can help support their mental health and reduce substance misuse. Check out these resources that can help you educate your students on mental health, drugs, and alcohol: samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/educators-support-children-teens

08/15/2025

Free Training

https://www.wvrecovers.org/trainings

Planning for Employment in Recovery
Continuing Education Learning Series
The SAMHSA Program to Advance Recovery Knowledge (SPARK) is offering a webinar series for certified
peer workers on supporting employment-related goals in recovery. Attendees receive certificates that may be
used for continuing education credit for peer recertification in Collaboration with West Virginia Recovers and
authored by PEER Resource Network, an approved provider of WVCBAPP.
Each 60-minute webinar is FREE and registration links are below! Register for one or more.
Questions? Email us at spark@c4innovates.com
Building Short- and Long-term Employment Goals into Recovery Action Plans
June 24, 2025, 3-4 pm Eastern
https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_eD_ygF4ZSaSFjNBzigme_g
Employment is a key factor in long-term recovery. This webinar will equip peer recovery support professionals with
tools to help individuals set meaningful employment goals within their personalized recovery action plans. Participants
will explore practical strategies, common barriers, and workforce resources that support career success for individuals
in recovery.
Supporting People with Criminal Convictions to Navigate Applications & Interviews
July 15, 2025, 10-11 am Eastern
https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_je0PjoB2RgOKjNPNSHeobA
This webinar provides guidance for supporting justice-impacted individuals navigating the job application and
interview process. Attendees will gain strategies to develop strong resumes, handle interview questions about criminal
history, and utilize networking to enhance employment opportunities. This session will also cover the importance of
letters of explanation, understanding fair-chance hiring policies, securing stop-gap jobs, and building long-term
career strategies.
Seeking Reasonable Workplace Accommodations for People in Recovery
August 19, 2025, 10-11 am Eastern
https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_FnSBJ7cdSeWFia_xgq5h9g
People in remission from chronic, treatable conditions such as substance use or MH disorders may seek flexibility from
current or future employers to help them sustain wellness in recovery. Job seekers may need a reasonable
accommodation to increase their ability to perform their role at work. This webinar provides an overview of how the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) clarifies employer obligations and reduces barriers to job opportunities based
on health conditions.
Impact of Earned Income on Social Security Disability (SSDI) and SSI Benefits
Sept 9, 2025, 3-4 pm Eastern
https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_NKL0o596TmO7nCO6cNgF3w
People receiving disability payments may wish to try working and increasing their financial independence, but are
often concerned that work is not allowed or will cancel their benefits. In reality, the Social Security Administration
(SSA), which approves disability benefits, recognizes that employment is important for individual physical and mental
health and supports people to be successful in the workplace. In this webinar, the presenters will give an overview of
disability programs such as SSI and SSDI and explain how earned income can impact those benefits as well as
related Medicaid

08/02/2025

Some of the August trainings provided through West Virginia Recovers

- Aug 8 and 12 11:00-1:00 Wellness through Creative Expressions
This is a 2-day series based on SAMHSA's Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing. Participants will be introduced to the wellness field guide of Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing; Participants will have the opportunity to engage in sessions regarding Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing essential elements such as wellness topics and key concepts from the curriculum. This 2-day series that runs from 11 am - 1 pm each day. Participants are encouraged to sign up even if you can only make 1 day. 2 hours of CEU's will be awarded for each day of this training attended.
Pre-registration is requested (August 8 training)
Pre-registration is requested (August 12 training)
Training link

- Aug 15 11:00-1:00 Addressing Difficult Life Issues
This training is based on Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing essential elements. This training will focus on the topic of Addressing Difficult Life Issues. This is mental health specific education that will go towards PRSS MH credential. 2 CEUS will be awarded.
Pre-registration is requested (limited seats available)
Training link

- Aug 19 11:00-1:00 Developing A Lifestyle that Supports Wellness
his training is based upon Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing essential elements-Wellness Topic developing a lifestyle that supports wellness. This training will go toward mental health specific education for PRSS MH credential. 2 CEUS will be awarded.
Pre-registration is requested
Training link

- Aug 26 11:00-1:00 Personal Assessment & Motivation
This training is based upon Taking Action For Whole Health and Wellbeing essential elements-Wellness Topic personal assessment & motivation. This training will go toward mental health specific education for PRSS MH credential. 2 CEUS will be awarded.
Pre-registration is requested (limited seats available)
Training link

Learn about West Virginia Recovers and all trainings https://www.wvrecovers.org/trainings

Funded entirely by SAMSHA via WV DoHS/BBH G250690