CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Degrading mental health among the nation's K-12 students over the past year and a half has alarmed health professionals. Experts say West Virginia could use federal funding to help address students' needs, at a time when the novel coronavirus crisis shows no signs of letting up.

Tamicah Owens is a summer research associate at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and a doctoral student in educational theory and practice at West Virginia University. She said the state will receive more than $761 million to ensure they can reopen safely and meet students' needs.

"So school districts, for example, could hire more teachers," said Owens. "They could hire counselors, they could hire nurses, they could also hire additional social workers and school psychologists and counselors."

Owens explained that the majority of the funds will go to local school boards that will make decisions on how to use the money. But she said they must receive public input from educators and parents on their proposed plans.

Owens said she believes the funding represents a significant opportunity for West Virginia to address some of the longstanding needs and challenges in its education system.

"That is the number one thing that needs to happen," said Owens, "is parents and students and teachers need to be able to put input into what they need specifically to help with these issues."

She also pointed out stark disparities in income and poverty in the state based on race, noting that Black West Virginians are almost twice as likely to be living in poverty than white residents.

She said the economic strain created by the pandemic means students of color are facing greater challenges, and says funding should be used in ways that help combat longstanding inequities.

Late last year, Missouri recorded its first significant drop in overdose deaths since 2015 - primarily due to increased access to naloxone, also called the Lazarus drug for its ability to revive a person who has overdosed.

A 2024 report from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services shows opioid-related deaths statewide fell from more than 700 to just over 500, a 30% decrease.

DawnElyn Schneider, chief network development and population health officer with Central Ozarks Medical Center, said it's important to carry naloxone for overdose emergencies.

However, she also attributed the decline in overdose deaths to increased community education on factors surrounding substance use.

"On the prevalence, on risk factors, on identifying concerning trends and behavior," said Schneider, "and if you're an individual who is struggling with substance use, or a family member who is struggling with substance use, how do you get help?"

More than 73% of the drug overdose deaths in Missouri in 2023 were opioid-related.

Since 2017, Missouri has had a standing order allowing anyone to get naloxone from pharmacies without a prescription.

That increased access enables more people, including drug users, to use it in emergencies.

Schneider said harm reduction strategies for those who use drugs include carrying naloxone, avoiding use alone, and using clean needles to prevent overdoses and infections.

"Abstinence is not always the only goal," said Schneider. "Sometimes, you have to get someone to a point where they have safer use before they're ready to stop using completely."

Nationwide, opioid deaths dropped from around 84,000 to about 81,000, while cocaine and methamphetamine-related deaths saw a slight increase.




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The Alabama Senate has passed a bill which would give gun owners struggling with mental health challenges the option to voluntarily surrender their firearms.

Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, sponsored Senate Bill 40, named the "Houston/Hunter Act" in honor of Houston Lee Tumlin and Hunter Chase Whitley, two veterans who died by suicide.

Data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs showed about 86% of veteran suicides in Alabama involve firearms. Kelley said the bill was inspired by their stories, with hopes similar tragedies can be prevented.

"Their mothers feel like that if this bill had been in place and they could have turned in those firearms voluntarily, that it would have likely saved their lives," Kelley explained.

The bill also protects gun dealers and law enforcement from lawsuits if a firearm is returned and later misused. However, if they violate laws while handling a returned firearm, they could still be held accountable. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Sen. Merika Coleman Evans, D-Birmingham, voiced her support for the measure on the Senate floor. She also urged fellow lawmakers to consider Senate Bill 170, which she said is an initiative with a more proactive approach to removing firearms from individuals who could harm themselves or someone else.

"My bill is not a 'voluntary,' but it is an opportunity for us to get those firearms away from people who have deemed to be a threat to themselves or others," Coleman Evans outlined.

Under her bill, law enforcement or a person's family members, along with teachers and school staff, would have the ability to petition for a Gun Violence Protective Order.


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As the temperatures drop, some Georgians are feeling more than just the winter chill.

Nearly 40% of Americans experience the seasonal mood changes known as seasonal affective disorder. The condition can leave people feeling drained, unmotivated and stuck in a cycle of low energy.

Tami Brown, board vice president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Georgia, says the two most common are increased feelings of sadness and social withdrawal, but added that where you live, family history and even gender, can also increase the risk of developing symptoms.

"It affects more people than we think," Brown pointed out. "Folks that are displaying low energy or fatigue, even after having a full night's sleep, they might have issues with concentrating. Sleeping habits might start to fluctuate. They might start over sleeping, under sleeping. They might be eating too much or undereating."

Brown stressed if you are struggling, seeking help from a mental health professional can often prevent symptoms from worsening. She encouraged reaching out to a primary care doctor or calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for support.

Brown emphasized coping with seasonal affective disorder does not have to be overwhelming. She suggested simple but effective strategies like light therapy, physical activity, maintaining a routine and prioritizing social connections. She added that practicing mindfulness and nutritional support are important, and said her organization offers programs and support at no cost.

"All of our trainings, groups, information, education, they are conducted by folks that have lived experience," Brown stressed. "These individuals have a behavioral health diagnosis that they are living with and working through, and they are helping the community."

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said you can also find support through your health insurance provider. Many now cover virtual care.

"Those telehealth benefits generally include telebehavioral health, which can start through your employee assistance program, or through virtual coaching and digital self-help tools," Randall outlined.

She underscored some insurance plans or workplace wellness programs may also offer extra resources to help with mental health and everyday challenges.