All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Davis Medical Center joins the Blue Dot Project: Supporting Maternal Mental Health

Davis Medical Center’s Women’s HealthCare and Family Birthing Center (FBC) staff are creating awareness of local services available to women during National Maternal Mental Health Month. Pictured are (left to right); Cynthia Marsh, RNC, Senior Charge, FBC; Shirley Daniels, RNC-OB, CTTS, CLC, Perinatal Coordinator; Morgan McKinney, MSN, APRN, CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife; and Jessica Kerns, Mother and Baby Coordinator.

Elkins, W.V.a – This Month, as part of its participation in the Blue Dot Project, Davis Medical Center (DMC) is launching a series of initiatives aimed at promoting maternal mental health awareness and providing support to mothers in the community.

The Blue Dot Project aims to break the silence surrounding maternal mental health and encourages open conversations about the challenges that mothers face.

Maternal mental health is a critically important yet often overlooked aspect of pregnancy and childbirth.  According to the World Health Organization, up to 20% of women experience perinatal mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, during pregnancy and the postpartum period.  These conditions can have significant consequences for both mothers and their infants, impacting bonding, breastfeeding, and long-term mental health outcomes.

DMC Midwife Morgan McKinney, CNM, said Women’s Healthcare professionals are committed to supporting maternal mental health and ensuring that mothers in the community have access to the care and support they need to thrive.

“One in five women suffer from maternal mental health disorder and yet most do not seek help,” McKinney said.  “We want women to understand they are not alone, and they are not to blame for their emotions or behavior.  We offer a safe and supportive environment for mothers to share their experiences and access professional help.”

Throughout May, DMC’s Women’s Healthcare and Family Birthing Center are launching a communications campaign to bring greater awareness to the warning signs, triggers, and treatment of maternal mental health disorders. Up to 85% of individuals who give birth will experience the “baby blues” in the 2-3 weeks after delivery, which is likely tied to the shift in hormones during the immediate postpartum period. “Baby blues” is normal and can include crying, emotional ups and downs, and a feeling of uncertainty during this initial adjustment.

If a parent is having significant mental health symptoms after 3 weeks postpartum, it’s no longer considered the “baby blues” and could indicate a more serious perinatal mental health condition. Women should reach out to their obstetrician, midwife, or family doctor for evaluation if they are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, panic, or anything else that makes mom not feel like herself. There are effective treatments and lots of resources we can offer to moms and families experiencing a perinatal mental health disorder.

“Together, we can make a difference for women and families,” she said.

For more information about the Blue Dot Project, visit TheBlueDotProject Maternal Mental Health.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Connie Miller Burk

Connie Miller Burk, 72, of Buckhannon, a former WV Wesleyan and Union Drilling employee, loving mother of twin sons Shawn and Shane Miller, and devoted churchgoer, died January 20, 2026, with services Jan. 27.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Madelyn Tucker and Jerin Westfall

The latest Hank Ellis All-Stars are Lady Buc sophomore Madelyn Tucker and Buccaneer senior Jerin Westfall. Tucker powered B-U to a perfect 2-0 week, while Westfall tallied his 1,000th career point.

Winter storm update: Heavy snow, ice expected to cause ‘widespread and significant impacts’ this weekend

Upshur County is under a winter storm watch as heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain threaten major travel and infrastructure impacts from Saturday through Monday.

School bus crashes on Route 20 after hitting black ice; one child taken to hospital

A school bus carrying 25 students slid on black ice on Route 20 Wednesday morning and went off the road, according to Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman. All students were checked at the scene, and one child was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital with minor injuries.

B-U swim teams finish up regular season

Buckhannon-Upshur’s girls won six events (four individual, two relays) and the boys one on Senior Night, then the girls placed fifth and boys sixth at a nine-team/ seven-team make-up before the Big 10 championships.

Basketball ‘Cats fall on the road to Frostburg State, 105-83

Frostburg State defeated West Virginia Wesleyan 105–83 as Frostburg’s second-half surge and efficient shooting overcame Wesleyan’s 47.8 percent offense and 21 points from Isaiah Baker.

Wesleyan women down Frostburg State, 87-76

West Virginia Wesleyan defeated Frostburg State 87-76, led by Kilah Dandridge’s season-high 25 and strong shooting and balance from Emma Witt and Sydney Baird, improving to 9-4 overall and 7-3 in MEC play.

Leadership Upshur sets three workdays to help launch new children’s museum on Main Street

Leadership Upshur is rallying volunteers and sponsors to help prepare a new children’s museum coming to Main Street in Buckhannon. The group has scheduled three workdays and is seeking donated supplies as painting and repairs get underway.

Winter storm watch issued for Upshur County as significant snow expected this weekend

A winter storm watch is in effect for Upshur County as a significant system targets the East Coast from Saturday through Monday, with Buckhannon forecast to see 6–12 inches of heavy snow.