Mercer County Coalition for Healthy Communities

10/15/2026

Some words deserve a place to go. 💙

Please join us for the ribbon-cutting of the first Wind Phone in Southern West Virginia at Glenwood Park!

📅 Friday, October 16, 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m.
📍 Glenwood Park

Located on the Bowman trail between the boat launch and gazebo

A wind phone is an unconnected telephone in a peaceful setting. It offers a place to speak to someone you miss, share a memory, or simply pause and reflect.

This Wind Phone was created by our Drug-Free Communities Director and Camp Mariposa Clinical Director, Candace Harless, in memory of her mother, Lisa Ann Kershner. It is registered with the national Wind Phone project, joining a growing network of places for remembrance and connection.

And this is only the beginning—there’s another meaningful part of this project still to come. We can’t wait to share it with you.

All are welcome to celebrate this special space with us.

10/11/2026

💗 Your breast health matters!

Mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.

Bonnie’s Bus will be at Prudich Medical Center on
Thursday, October 15, from 8 AM–4 PM,
bringing mammography services close to home.

📍 5451 Simmons River Rd., Montcalm, WV 24737
📞 Call our office at 304-589-3251 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

A doctor’s order is required for screening. 💙

10/06/2026

Positive trends. Valuable insights. A healthier future for Mercer County youth!

Through our Drug-Free Communities grant, the Mercer County Coalition for Healthy Communities collects Pride Survey/ISA/ 30-Day-Use data every two years to hear directly from students and guide local prevention efforts.

The 2022, 2024, and 2026 results give us encouraging findings to share:

✅ Surveyed 10th graders reported consistent declines in alcohol, va**ng, and ma*****na use.

✅ A smaller percentage of students reported that substances were easy to obtain across every category measured.

✅ Most students reported clear substance-use rules at home and school in 2026, giving us a strong foundation to build on with regular prevention conversations.

These findings help us recognize encouraging progress and identify where continued support is needed.

💙 Prevention is a community effort. Parents, caregivers, schools, and community partners can help by setting clear expectations, having regular conversations, and keeping young people connected and supported.

10/04/2026

10/03/2026

In October, we wear pink 🩷

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

We’re continuing to update our list of volunteer opportunities for community members who need to complete required service hours. If you have an opportunity to add or any information to update, please let us know!

09/30/2026

On the last day of Recovery Month, we want you to know,

Recovery invests in America's future by ensuring young people and families have access to recovery support that grows with them.

The goal is to build a nation where recovery can flourish.

Young people experience recovery in unique ways related to their age and social contexts. Supporting youth in recovery means recognizing who they are in the specific moments of their developing lives.
Young people are the future recovery movements. Youth peer-led advocacy, digital community building, and bold reimagining is what treatment and support can be.
Recovery programs such as recovery high schools, collegiate recovery communities, peer mentorship and other models that support youth in recovery create environments where young people can grow in their full selves in places that meet them where they are.
Relationships Matter: All young people learn to grow through their relationships in their families and friends. When families are supported and equipped with resources, they provide the foundation for a young person’s recovery journey.
Every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and realize their full potential through recovery.

09/29/2026

💙 Bullying Should Never Be Faced Alone

If a student is experiencing bullying—or is worried about a friend—speaking up is a sign of courage. Tell a trusted adult and remember that support is available.

ReachOut provides Mercer County Schools students and families with FREE, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text, or online chat.

📱 Scan the ReachOut QR code below or select the “Let’s Talk” shortcut on a student device.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For immediate emotional crisis support, call or text 988.