Code Grey

10/28/2025

🚓🚒🚑🚨

It’s , and in honor if that, we’d like to recognize those who run toward rather than away from danger in order to keep our communities safe.

To those who answer the call - firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, 911/988, and all emergency service personnel - we thank you for your service! Stay safe out there.

10/27/2025

✨PLEASE SHARE✨

One of West Virginia’s greatest strengths is its sense of community - we band together when the going gets tough because we know we’re .

Right now, times are tough for a lot of folks. People everywhere are facing unexpected financial challenges, perhaps struggling to make ends meet or worrying how they will feed themselves, their families, or their pets in the weeks to come.

So let's do what West Virginians do best... JOIN TOGETHER! 💪

In that spirit, Aspire to Inspire and Code 3 Health and Fitness have partnered with a group of other local small businesses in the Kanawha-Putnam-Cabell area to launch a Community Food Drive to support those who may need a little extra help right now. Each participating business (listed below) is serving as a drop-off location for the following items:
🥫 Non-perishable food items
🍼 Baby food and formula
🐾 Pet food (sealed bags or cans)

‼️IMPORTANT: To coordinate your donation, please contact your chosen site directly before stopping by, as each site may have specific drop-off times or collection areas. Participating businesses currently include:
🩵 Aspire to Inspire Behavioral Health (Teays Valley and St. Albans): (304) 760-9945 or info@aspire-counseling.org
🩵 Code 3 Health & Fitness (Poca): (304) 814-9779 or code3hf@gmail.com
🩵 Beaconlight Counseling (Teays Valley): (304) 305-1309 or admin@beaconlightcounselingwv.com
🩵 Crescent Counseling Group (Charleston): (304) 205-9185 or info@crescentcg.net
🩵 Melody Frye, LPC (Barboursville): (304) 736-1773
🩵 PowerUp Sports & Wellness (Teays Valley): (304) 397-6514
🩵 Stultz Sleep & Behavioral Health (Barboursville): (304) 733-5380
🩵 Valley Counseling (Teays Valley): (681) 235-2169 or shelley@valleycounseling.net

Note: If any other local businesses would like to participate, please contact Aspire to Inspire or Code 3 Health and Fitness!

Let's work together to make sure no one in our community goes hungry!

10/04/2025

2025 Federal Government Shutdown As of 12 AM ET on October 1, 2025, the federal government has shut down due to lack of an agreement for funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. Some federal services and functions will continue to operate, while others will operate in the short term until their funding ru...

10/01/2025

https://www.wkyt.com/2025/09/30/case-dismissed-against-ky-ems-team-that-gave-antivenom/?fbclid=IwdGRjcANKV2NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHorvvFsdD652wAuB8wcgkNMLYH7L-HXUr7i7cxrBDDnTfpclN1FGCeVTTmZL_aem_VvbUIqGIjt5VAsHt1yz63Q

We recently told you about the Powell County EMS worker and judge executive set to face the state EMS board after giving antivenom to a man earlier this year.

09/24/2025

Code Grey is headed to Texas!

Only 15 days until fire service leaders, psychologists, and masters-level mental health clinicians gather in Pearland, Texas for the 8th Annual Conference of the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA). FSPA is delighted to have Dr. Kari Mika-Lude (The Therapist) and Allen Lude (The Firefighter) on tap to jointly deliver their presentation, Rehumanizing the Heroes: Recognizing and Confronting the Dehumanization of First Responders (In case you’re wondering, the Doctor and the Firefighter are married)!

While understaffing and work-related stress are commonplace within first responder professions, contemporary challenges like COVID-19, political unrest, and economic downturn have added to the strain. Record numbers of first responders have been leaving the workforce, causing severe staffing shortages and subsequent delays in emergency care.

"Unfortunately, the public's view of first responders often strips away their humanity," said Mike-Lude, "While public perception can and does fluctuate, first responders tend to either be put on a pedestal and seen as heroes, or they are vilified and seen as bad guys."

Mika-Lude went on to say, "Cultural and institutional norms also play a role, encouraging a machine-like demeanor and shutting down emotions. This contributes to workforce threats like suicidality, moral injury, burnout, and diminished self-efficacy."

This dynamic presentation by Mika-Lude (a licensed therapist, researcher, and EMT) and Lude—a retired firefighter/EMT— will provide an in-depth look at the following:

• Dr. Mika-Lude's research findings on the ways in which first responders are dehumanized and the implications for their mental health
• The role of first responder culture and the importance of cultural competence for clinicians
• Practical strategies for rehumanizing this vital workforce, spanning clinical practice, advocacy, research, and higher education
Allen, who has 30+ years of experience as a first responder adds voice to the first responder perspective.

Hurry because the clock is ticking!
Still many good seats and hotel rooms available for the Conference but time is of the essence! Visit the FSPA Conference webpage at https://firepsychology.org/2025-fspa-conference/

09/19/2025

https://www.wrbl.com/news/deaths-of-2-columbus-firefighters-spark-push-for-first-responder-mental-health-resources/amp/?fbclid=IwdGRleAM5nllleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHg0VO0Tcvs5u7ZK9mF9RQVoxZ66GHuuvGdYi40nbsSy5J9ySuvNlx1HIT8go_aem_C02Dyvq5aO41k-W-aFWYFQ

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story mentions “suicide” and could be considered graphic to some readers. Reader’s discretion is advised. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Columbus Fire and Em…

09/12/2025

09/11/2025