PRINCETON, W.Va. -First responders in Mercer County are furthering their work to build relationships with locals living with disabilities.
It’s through Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center’s third-annual CARE Day event.
CARE stands for Children and Residents’ Encounter. This special event allows individuals with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers to interact with local first responders. This carnival-themed event aims to enhance first responder sensitivity training, so they can properly and effectively respond to homes where individuals with special needs reside.
“In case they do have an encounter, they have a little prior knowledge of reacting with police, fire, rescue, things as far as, you know, some individuals have touch phobia, some have different needs, allows us to understand those and better deal with them when we do have encounters,” said Captain J. J. Ruble, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
This event also gives parents and caregivers vital information to 911 Dispatchers for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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