Huk, therapy dog in training, really CARES
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ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- Belmont County is welcoming its newest therapy dog in Huk, a 1-year-old Portuguese water dog belonging to Jamie Betts, director of Belmont County's Community Access, Resources, Education and Solutions program.
Betts introduced Huk to the Belmont County Board of Commissioners and visitors Wednesday.
"We're still working on therapy certification, but he has been coming to work with me for the last several months," Betts said, adding that Huk has been at his side, both connecting people with resources as part of the CARES program and as part of his work for the Cumberland Trail Fire District. "People really enjoy having him around."
Huk was playful and excited during Betts' talk, with little interest in sitting still while his partner explained. Betts said Huk still has a lot of "puppy tendencies."
"The idea is to be a good support animal for first responders and people who may be in crisis, whether that's of any nature. He lightens the mood. He's always been very friendly," Betts said. "He's a good asset for first responders in Belmont County. I'm excited to have him."
After the meeting, Betts said there is no cost to the county.
"All costs have been paid by me, personally, so we've not received any funding. He's my dog. I purchased him through the rescue and then I've paid for all of his training," he said.
In answer to a question from Commissioner Jerry Echemann, Betts said Huk will be allowed in clients' homes if invited.
"He has frequented hospitals, other fire departments in the area, law enforcement agencies and things of that nature," Betts said.
The CARES program was originated in 2022 by Cumberland Trail Fire Chief Tim Hall and kicked off last year to connect residents with various resources available to them, and to take pressure off of Belmont County 911 and hospital admissions.
"It was noticed -- it's pretty much a country-wide problem -- but people frequently utilize 911 in an instance in which they may not need to," Betts said, adding these instances include transportation needs and requirements for medicine and safety equipment, as well as responding to crises.
"Our goals are to go out and be preventive, as well as follow up with individuals that do use 911 to see what services they need," he said.
Betts said he works with entities such as the Department of Job and Family Services and Senior Services of Belmont County to provide transportation to clients.
"Typically, when individuals aren't aware of what resources are available, what services are available for them, we go to their home, talk to them, help them," he said. "It's a community paramedicine model, going into their home, helping figure out what the issues are and help finding solutions to the problems."
In October, Betts was joined by Chad Zambori, a fellow Cumberland Trail first responder hired as the CARES coordinator.
Betts provided a year-end report, indicating 5,102 calls received last year. There were 506 home visits in 2023, with the numbers increasing from 87 visits in the first quarter to 106 in the second, 154 in the third quarter and 159 in the fourth quarter. Betts and Zambori have been reaching out to spread word of CARES. He noted 59% of the population served was 60 years old or older.
Betts thanked the commissioners for instituting the program, as well as cooperating entities and the Mental Health and Recovery Board, which provided support, cooperation and funding. The program has made a yearly contract with the board covering startup costs, vehicle and salary of the new employee, totalling $159,823. The goal is for it to be renewed on a yearly basis for the foreseeable future. The renewal of the contract will not be for the $159,823 range, since $50,000 was budgeted as a one-time vehicle purchase. Services will remain in Belmont County.
"There is a lot of disconnect between services and a lot of times individuals fall through the cracks, and Chad and I's goal is to stop that," Betts said.
To reach CARES, call 740-827-0004.