Spouses, partners and family members of first responders are invited to a free community program next month focused on mental health, stress and family resilience.
Caring for Those Who Serve is set for Monday, March 16, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Fire & Police Safety Complex, 24 N. Florida Street, Buckhannon. No registration is required.
The program is designed for families of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel and other first responders. Attendees will learn to recognize stress and burnout, identify warning signs of emotional strain and strengthen family resilience, according to a press release from the City of Buckhannon.
The event will be led by two West Virginia Wesleyan College mental health educators. Dr. Christine Shimmel is associate provost at the college, where she is also a full professor in the master’s program in counseling. Dr. Jen Randall Reyes directs the college’s Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Both specialize in mental health and family wellness and bring extensive experience working with first responders across West Virginia.
The event is hosted by West Virginia Wesleyan College. For more information, call (304) 472-2868.
