Mental health and virtual learning: Steps parents can take to keep students safe
BECKLEY WV (WVVA) – With many schools in the region doing virtual or remote learning, it is especially important for parents to monitor their children’s mental health. Students being isolated from their classroom, routine, activities and friends could have a serious toll on their mental health. Dr. Kristi Dumas, a local mental health therapist, said […]
Several groups combining to host Diversity Hiring Event in Beckley tomorrow
BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – The city of Beckley will be holding a Diversity Hiring Event tomorrow. The Beckley police and fire departments will both be participating and encouraging a diverse group of applicants to apply. “Our police department has been awarded a grant to hire more officers,” said Dumas Psychology Collective Dr. Kristi Dumas. “We […]
Viral photo shows Beckley Police officer consoling 8-year-old over worries of unrest
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — Following the killing of George Floyd, concerns over what lies ahead between communities and their law enforcement continue to grow, even in the minds of children. 8-year-old Ross Dumas is no exception. “All I thought about was if this officer’s going to come up to me and arrest me for no […]
New River Riders coming to Beckley
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — A new community initiative is coming to Beckley with a goal to help people stay happy and healthy. Dr. Kristi Dumas and Robert Dunlap are partnering with the Beckley Welcome Center and the Downtown Beckley Business Association to start the New River Riders. It is an event where people can come […]
Local gardeners host Beckley Garden Exchange this Tuesday
BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – In an effort to bring to the community together, a group of Beckley gardeners is putting on a garden exchange tomorrow evening. Attendees are invited to bring plants they want to share, including annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, herbs, and house plants. They can then swap them for something desired or leave […]
ICYMI: In Focus on race relations in America
BLUEFIELD, W.Va (WVVA) – In case you missed it, on Sunday June 7, WVVA’s In Focus segment centered on race relations in America in the wake of 46-year-old George Floyd’s death. He was killed May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since then, protests and riots have happened all over America. Peaceful protests have taken place in […]
‘It is no longer acceptable to be insensitive:’ local leaders speak out about racial tensions in America
BLUEFIELD, W.Va (WVVA) – It’s been nearly two weeks since George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and racial tensions are high across America. On Friday, Beckley attorney Robert Dunlap and Beckley psychologist Dr. Kristi Dumas, along with Bishop Frederick Brown, with the Faith Center Church in Bluefield, West Virginia, stopped by the WVVA studio […]
Solidarity candlelight vigil held in remembrance of George Floyd
The mission Sunday night was to bring the community together peacefully to honor and pray for the country in the midst of what happened to another African American man by the hands of law enforcement. “It’s not right what happened. Our lives do not matter until black lives matter,” Vigil Attendee, Tarina Akers said. “It’s […]
Vigil held in Beckley to remember Geogre Floyd
BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – Community members in Beckley gathered this evening to remember George Floyd. After just two days of planning, at least a hundred attended the event, including elected officials and political candidates. The goal was to remember Floyd after his untimely death last week and acknowledge the need for change across the country. […]
‘Brain training’ makes waves aiding with mental health, addiction
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — An alternative form of healing is making waves when it comes to mental health. Dr. Kristi Dumas at the Brain Training Center in Beckley gently placed wires on her client’s head. Dumas is a psychologist and certified brain trainer. The client asked to remain anonymous. “I feel just relaxed and in […]