Family Mental Wellness Event for First Responder Families Scheduled for March 16

BUCKHANNON, WV: First responder families are invited to attend a free community program, Caring for Those Who Serve, on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Fire & Police Safety Complex, 24 N. Florida Street in Buckhannon. No registration is required.

The event is designed to support the spouses, partners, and family members of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and other first responders. Attendees will learn how to recognize stress and burnout, identify warning signs of emotional strain, and strengthen family resilience.

The program will be led by two local mental health educators:

Dr. Christine Shimmel, Associate Provost at West Virginia Wesleyan College where she is also a faculty member and full professor in the master’s program in counseling.
Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, Director of West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Both presenters specialize in mental health, family wellness, and community support, bringing extensive experience working with first responders across West Virginia.

This event, hosted by West Virginia Wesleyan College, aims to equip families with practical tools, education, and encouragement.

For more information, contact (304) 472‑2868.

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