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

Mental health matters: UCPL to host programs on mental health, emotional wellness and surrounding stigma

TENNERTON — This week, the Upshur County Public Library will be hosting two programs focused on breaking the stigma and silence that all too often surrounds struggles with mental health and emotional wellness.

The first presentation, “Breaking the Stigma: Let’s Talk About Mental Health,” is slated for 6-7 p.m. this Wednesday, Jan. 29, at UCPL.

The seminar will feature a talk by licensed professional counselor Kirsten Coit-Fetty, who will share information about what we currently know about mental health, what resources are available for people dealing with mental health struggles, and an outlook of hope for individuals, as well as our county, state, and country.

Additionally, Coit-Fetty will offer an overview of current mental health statistics, provide information on emerging research on Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACE, what these experiences are and what they mean for mental health. She’ll also discuss resources that are available to help those who face mental health challenges.

Coit-Fetty is Licensed Professional Counselor, a West Virginia-certified school counselor and an Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor for counselors. She has worked as a mental health professional in a community setting, in higher education, and now in the local school environment. This path has led her to focus on preventive work and community empowerment for supporting mental health.

Then, on Saturday, Feb. 1, join the UCPL for a second program focused on mental health and peer support which gets underway at 10:30 a.m.

Andi Cartier from the Depression-Bipolar Support Alliance of Upshur County will share information on peer support for mental health and focus attention on the concept of personal mental ‘wellness’ as a continuum that encompasses several aspects of an individual.

Cartier believes human beings vary in their personal wellness strengths and challenges — and in the impact those have on one’s ability to live a personally fulfilling life.

This Saturday session will include discussions of myths about mental health, how stigma negatively impacts those living with mental health challenges, and how friends, family and community can be active allies for those living with mental health challenges.

Cartier is the director of the Depression-Bipolar Support Alliance of Upshur County, where she also serves as a Peer Specialist and Peer Support Group Facilitator. In addition, she is an active member of the Leadership Team for Celebrate Recovery, serving as a Small Group and 12-Step Class leader, Large Group Teacher,and Sponsor.

Cartier holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and has earned her Mental Health First Aid-Adult certification.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Moon Flower opens first satellite store at Delmonte Market in Elkins

Moon Flower Hemp, a woman-owned craft cannabis shop, is opening its first satellite location inside Elkins’s Delmonte Market, offering exclusive products, infused drinks, educational support and special perks for early customers.

Buckhannon Community Theatre’s ‘The Lion King Kids’ set to roar at Colonial Arts Center this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present Disney’s The Lion King Kids on June 20 and 21 at the Colonial Arts Center, showcasing young local talent in a family-friendly production directed by Ella McNeish.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: June 26, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board has released the agenda for its upcoming June 26, 2025, meeting.

B-U’s Landon Marple earns All-State baseball honors

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Landon Marple, who led his team in multiple offensive categories, was named to the West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State Baseball Team as an Honorable Mention.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.