WVU's new prevention program aims to support at-risk youth during critical developmental years

WVU's new prevention program aims to support at-risk youth during critical developmental years

Research shows that prevention programs are effective in reducing the risk of substance use and addiction, and that the prevalence of drug use increases rapidly during adolescence and the transition to young adulthood. To support this population during these critical developmental years, West Virginia University has implemented Regional Transition Navigator services.

Led by Lesley Cottrell, director of the Center for Excellence in Disabilities and professor in the Schools of Medicine and Public Health, the program is funded by a $432,000 award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.

The new program is designed to connect West Virginia youth and young adults ages 14 to 25 who are experiencing, have experienced, or are at risk for serious emotional disorders, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders with needed resources. The current focus is on individuals experiencing homelessness, transitioning out of foster care or juvenile detention, or experiencing human trafficking.

There are many biological and environmental factors that can lead to drug use, but no single factor can predict whether a person will become addicted.

Addiction is an equal opportunity offender. Life is not lived in black and white, but in shades of gray. Our long-term goal is to help people get into better situations than they are in now, no matter what that situation may be.”

Sam Wilkinson, Program Manager

Wilkinson is one of six navigators across the state in places like Barboursville, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Mount Hope and Oak Hill. The team works with participants in their communities to identify needs, assess skill levels, and build a network of supports and services to improve their health outcomes as they become independent and transition into adulthood.

“The program aims to be as flexible as possible when working with its clients,” Wilkinson explained. "What works for one client will not necessarily work for another, and our goal is maximum flexibility, allowing us to respond to individual needs. Therefore, the response to a case is case by case, or rather tailored to a situation. Our goal is to work to resolve the immediate challenges as part of a longer-term strategy to provide lifelong useful problem-solving skills."

Regional Transition Navigator team members will connect participants with resources for housing, transportation, utilities, food, violence prevention and support, education, health care, medications, communication skills to advocate for themselves, life skills, and knowing who to turn to based on individual circumstances.

To enroll, individuals can be referred to the program by anyone, including themselves.

“We rely on those who have awareness and knowledge of their own communities – health care professionals, frontline workers, social workers, counselors, teachers, trainers – and our partners across the state,” Wilkinson said. “We have about 30 participants registered and would like to connect with more.

“Reaching younger people can serve as an intervention before decision-making calcifies into bone-deep habits,” Wilkinson said. “We want to do supportive work that helps individuals choose healthier paths.

Source:

West Virginia University

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