Paving the Path Toward a Healthier Future

Toward a Healthier Future The Rural Health Transformation Plan aims to improve health outcomes in West Virginia. For decades, West Virginia has experienced some of the worst health statistics in the nation. From diabetes and hypertension to obesity and addiction, we often fare worse than other states. But a vision is unfolding to pave a path toward a healthier future for the Mountain State and its residents.

W.Va. expands Medicaid school-based health services

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVVA) — The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) Bureau for Medical Services and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) are partnering to expand school-based health services, giving more students statewide access to vital medical and mental healthcare. Under the newly expanded program, any Medicaid-eligible...

Governor Morrisey Announces First Rural Health Transformation Program Awards

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $2.4 million in the first implementation awards under West Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), funding worksite clinics and employer-based healthcare services designed to improve health outcomes and help more West Virginians stay healthy and in the workforce. “We are putting these historic resources to work to […] The post Governor Morrisey Announces First Rural Health Transformation Program Awards appeared first on West Virginia Daily News .

WVU Medicine CEO Wright says expansion is good for everyone

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — WVU Medicine’s expansion into bordering states is not going to stop anytime soon, according to the health system’s president and CEO Albert Wright. Wright believes that healthcare will continue to consolidate around the country, and WVU Medicine needs to grow to keep...

Governor Morrisey Announces First Rural Health Transformation Program Awards

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (The Hinton News) - Governor Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $2.4 million in the first implementation awards under West Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), funding worksite clinics and employer-based healthcare services designed to improve health outcomes and help more West Virginians stay healthy and in the workforce. “We are putting these historic resources to work to improve the health of West Virginians and strengthen our workforce,” said Governor Morrisey. “By bringing healthcare closer to where people work, we can identify health problems earlier, better manage chronic conditions, and help more West Virginians stay healthy and on the job. These first awards are another important step toward transforming healthcare delivery across our state.” The awards are being made through the Health to Prosperity (HTP) initiative and will expand worksite clinics and employer-based healthcare services across West Virginia. The investments will make it easier for employees to access care, manage chronic conditions, and receive preventive services without unnecessary barriers that can keep them from getting the care they need. The following organizations were selected to receive the first Health to Prosperity awards following a review of their ability to implement the programs and deliver results for West Virginians: Spotted Owl

Morrisey: $2.4M of WV’s Rural Health funds will go to 3 organizations for employer-based health

The state of West Virginia will award $2.4 million of its federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding to three organizations to expand worksite and employer-based health services.

Rachel Wright Named UHC G.E.M. Award Recipient

WVU Medicine United Hospital Center (UHC) recently announced that Rachel Wright was named a recipient of the G.E.M. (Going the Extra Mile) Award for staff excellence. The G.E.M. Award is a semi-annual recognition for all hospital staff (outside of the nursing profession) who consistently display superior qualities, expert skills, and utilize them with compassion to improve our patients’ quality of care.

For some West Virginians, a historic $450M Chemours settlement over forever chemicals is too little, too late

Many of the changes required by the settlement will take more than a decade to complete. The Trump administration also intends to roll back or delay enforcement of existing regulations on forever chemicals. Charlise Robinson recalls first hearing some buzz around issues with Parkersburg’s local water system back in 2000....

WVU Medicine is spending $1B to become a top rural system

Albert Wright Jr. has led Morgantown-based WVU Medicine for 12 years and has grown from an academic medical center into a 25-hospital health system operating across West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The growth is not incidental. WVU Medicine exists, Mr. Wright said, because the state legislature decided in...

WVU School of Dentistry Officially Opens Expanded, State-of-the-Art Clinics with Eight-Figure Price Tag

To better prepare tomorrow’s dentists to meet future patient needs, West Virginia University School of Dentistry students are learning and practicing in a newly renovated and expanded state-of-the-art facility at the only dental school in the Mountain State. Completion of the first phase of the multiphase project brings together...

Residents voice concerns about growing Marshall County coal impoundment

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – As a coal waste site in Marshall County continues to grow, so do the concerns for the people living around it.  7News visited the Mt. Olivet community to hear directly from residents about the impact it’s having on their daily lives. Increase in Noise Levels What was once a beautiful place to […]

WVU United Hospital Center Offering Innovative Robotic Technology for Knee, Hip Replacement

WVU Medicine United Hospital Center (UHC) is the latest hospital in West Virginia to expand its robotic surgery capabilities by providing total knee and hip replacements using the fourth generation Mako robotic-assisted surgical system—Mako 4 SmartRobotics™. This technology transforms the way joint replacements are performed by surgeons leading to a more personalized surgical experience.

UnitedHealthcare rejected a Virginia and West Virginia hospital system’s renewal, so Valley Health goes out of network for its Medicare Advantage members on October 1.

A contract fight between the country’s largest health insurer and a regional hospital system is about to land on the doorsteps of older patients across the Shenandoah Valley. UnitedHealthcare has told Valley Health it will not renew the agreement that keeps the system in its Medicare Advantage network, and unless the two sides reverse course,... The post UnitedHealthcare rejected a Virginia and West Virginia hospital system’s renewal, so Valley Health goes out of network for its Medicare Advantage members on October 1. appeared first on The Financial Wire .

Rural Transformation Plans Bolster Community Paramedicine Programs

In July Bowling Green, Ky.-based Med Center Health announced it had received $310,070 through Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Plan to strengthen its community paramedic program and expand access to at-home healthcare services throughout the region. The grant will enhance Medical Center EMS’s ability to improve access to care, reduce preventable hospital readmissions, and decrease unnecessary emergency department visits.

Valley Health in Virginia goes out of network for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members on October 1.

A contract dispute between one of the nation’s largest health insurers and a regional Virginia hospital system is about to change where thousands of older adults can get in-network care. Valley Health, which operates hospitals and physician practices across the Shenandoah Valley and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, will stop being an in-network provider... The post Valley Health in Virginia goes out of network for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members on October 1. appeared first on The Financial Wire .

Valley Health Care Mental Health Minute

Health Right CEO Gets National Award For Charitable Healthcare Work

West Virginia Health Right CEO Angie Settle has been named the 2026 Patient Advocate of the Year by the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), a group that represents more than 1,400 clinics nationwide. “She still puts on the stethoscope and sees patients today, even while leading West...

Ribbon Cutting, Opening Dates are Set for Near $30M Vandalia Health Mon Harrison Hospital in Bridgeport

In less than a month, a long-awaited project in Bridgeport that will serve the city, Harrison County and beyond will be open for business. Dr. Christopher Edwards, the Chief Administrative Officer of Vandalia Health Mon Marion and Vandalia Health Mon Harrison Neighborhood Hospitals (formerly Mon-Harrison Neighborhood Hospital), said that official operation at the site at the Charles Pointe Crossing Development is set for Sept. 29. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held a week prior on Sept. 22.

West Virginia’s 2 largest systems push beyond state lines

Morgantown, W.Va.-based WVU Medicine and Charleston, W.Va.-based Vandalia Health have proved to be powerhouses for acquisitions and growth over the last few years, both in West Virginia and in neighboring states — with no signs of slowing down. WVU Medicine comprises 25 hospitals and more than 39,000 employees, a...

West Virginia reviews air permits as chemical-safety group raises concerns

West Virginia environmental officials are reviewing two air-quality permit applications related to Union Carbide's Institute facility, sparking concerns from local chemical-safety advocates. State environmental officials in West Virginia are considering two air-quality permit applications connected to Union Carbide's Institute facility, prompting concerns from local chemical-safety advocates. Here's what to know.