July 16, 2023 — Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) announces new Community Engagement Specialist, Josh Allen. This entirely new position is funded through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) grant.

Allen, a resident of Barbour County for more than 20 years, is eager to serve as Community Engagement Specialist. “Substance abuse is an issue that, unfortunately, has far-reaching impacts on families, communities, and individuals—even those in my own family,” says Allen, “I look forward to helping identify the needs within our community and work to find solutions for Barbour County residents.”

This position will connect several entities including BCHA, New Vision, the Barbour County Health Department, West Virginia Prevention Solutions, and more to identify community needs within prevention, treatment, and recovery of substance use and abuse. Allen will be tasked with identifying how BCHA—and the other organizations—can create change and further advance the community plan to make sure they are all working together to better improve substance and opioid abuse within the Barbour County community.

Allen will also provide organizational leadership by engaging both public and private organizations to inform and further the strategic mission and initiatives of BCHA and Bright Futures, Barbour County.

“The roles I have had through the years have given me insight into understanding the different needs of a diverse environment, which has helped me achieve positive results in developing strong relationships. No task is too small or mundane when working towards the organization’s overall goals,” Allen says.

Plans are currently in the works to offer supervised opportunities for community members—while focusing on the youth—such as pool parties and adult/youth combined volleyball tournaments. The events will give Bright Futures an opportunity to educate the community and break down the stigma on substance use and abuse.

Allen’s new role also allows him to make recommendations for needs within the BCHA organization and the community as a whole where he sees fit.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to be a part of the BCHA team, and to work with organizations within the county as we strive towards our goal of improving the health of Barbour County. I hope that I can contribute to the great work that is already taking place.”

For more information about the Community Engagement Specialist or the services offered at BCHA, head to barbourhealth.org.

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About Barbour Community Health Association

Belington Medical and Myers Clinics are federally qualified health centers that provide medical and behavioral health care to patients with insurance, Medicare and/or Medicaid and for those without health insurance through the clinic’s Health Access program.

The organization also operates Barbour Behavioral Health, Barbour Quick Care, Belington Wellness Center, Brandon School-Based Health Services, Philippi Wellness Center, and AB Wellness Center. The Barbour Behavioral Health team is made up of well-trained psychologists and psychotherapists who offer a variety of behavioral health services. Barbour Quick Care has walk-in care available in Philippi. Belington and Philippi Wellness Centers offer a wide variety of exercise equipment, and exercise programs. Brandon School-Based Health Services offers a variety of nursing, preventive and acute care medical and behavioral health services to all students and staff in the Barbour County School system. The purpose of AB Wellness Center is to bring affordable primary health care to all Alderson Broaddus University students, faculty, staff, and their families. Learn More About the Barbour Community Health Association.