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

Department of Human Services highlights available substance use disorder treatments during Prematurity Awareness Month

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is reminding women that treatment for substance use disorder is available to support healthy pregnancies and reduce the risk of preterm births during Prematurity Awareness Month. Preterm birth, defined as the birth of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy, affects approximately 12.98% of births in West Virginia. The final weeks of pregnancy are crucial for fetal development, and premature birth can increase the likelihood of health complications for both mothers and babies.

“Substance use during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for preterm birth, but the good news is that treatment is available,” said Christina Mullins, DoHS Deputy Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. “Through programs like Drug Free Moms and Babies and residential treatment services, we can help expectant mothers achieve healthier pregnancies, reducing risks associated with substance use.”

In 2022, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) impacted 6.7% of births in the state, and 8.8% of pregnancies were impacted by intrauterine substance exposure (IUSE). While NAS rates have decreased since 2017, IUSE rates have continued to rise, consistent with national data and is potentially reflective of increasing access to treatment medications. Pregnant women struggling with substance use can take steps to reduce their risk of preterm birth and improve their overall health through access to medical care and behavioral health treatment.

The Drug Free Moms and Babies (DFMB) program, funded by DoHS and administered by the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership, is a statewide initiative that integrates medical and behavioral health care with comprehensive recovery support services. The program has proven successful, with 74.9% of participants testing positive for substance use at baseline and 64.2% testing negative at delivery.

Additionally, West Virginia offers residential treatment programs across the state that specialize in the care of pregnant women, mothers, and their children, providing a safe environment for recovery. These programs are available in Cabell, Fayette, Kanawha, and Wood counties, and accept women from across the state.

Home visitation programs help pregnant women and parents of young children improve the health and well-being for themselves and their families. They are a valuable resource available at no-cost to families from pregnancy through age five. These programs include evidence-based models, such as Parents as Teachers, Healthy Families America, and the statewide program Right From The Start (RFTS), all providing critical support to new and expecting mothers. 

Women in need of treatment can call HELP4WV at 1-844-HELP4-WV for immediate assistance locating a program near them. 

For more information on behavioral health resources, visit dhhr.wv.gov/BBH/about/Adult%20Services/Pages/Comprehensive-Behavioral-Health-Centers.aspx.  

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Mountain CAP Family Support Center, Red Cross to host free fire safety training in Buckhannon

Mountain CAP Family Support Center and the American Red Cross will host a free fire safety and emergency preparedness training Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. at 30 E. Main St. in Buckhannon.

Applications open for Governor’s School for the Arts at West Virginia Wesleyan College

Applications are open for West Virginia’s Governor’s School for the Arts at West Virginia Wesleyan College, running June 21–July 11, 2026. Theatre arts takes the spotlight alongside tracks like digital media, creative writing, dance, music and studio art.

Upshur County Special Olympics director updates Rotary on how their funding assists the organization

Special Olympics director Dion Wamsley told the local Rotary Club that rising travel, facility and accreditation costs are stretching the budget. He’s doubled athlete participation and is asking the community for fundraising ideas ahead of the Feb. 28 Polar Plunge.

David Leroy Baxa

David Leroy Baxa, 72, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime contractor and skilled tradesman who loved hunting, fishing, gardening and beekeeping, died December 28, 2025, and is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Caraline, two grandchildren, siblings and nieces and nephews.

Paul Ronald Linger

Paul Ronald Linger, 94, a U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime West Virginia Wesleyan College master electrician and Upshur County jailer who loved rock collecting, hunting and fishing, died December 19, 2025; he will be cremated.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: January 8, 2026

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting on January 8, 2026, with an agenda outlining the topics and business to be addressed by the commission.
High Voltage Power Line

Equipment failure on transmission line causes widespread Upshur County power outage

An equipment failure on a transmission line feeding a French Creek substation knocked out power to about 4,000 Upshur County customers, with residents reporting bright flashes and loud booms.

Basketball Lady Bucs come up short at home against North Marion in 48-40 setback

Buckhannon-Upshur rallied from a 15-point third-quarter deficit to cut the gap to five in the final minute but fell 48-40 at home to North Marion, with freshman Emma Pingley leading B-U with 13 points.

My Buckhannon kicks off 2026 with a new login system, more updates to come

My Buckhannon is kicking off 2026 with a smoother, password-free login: enter your email, get a six-digit code, and you’re in. More account and backend upgrades are coming soon, alongside the same sharp focus on local stories that matter.