W.Va. – The West Virginia University (WVU) Health System today (July 28) made a $9 million contribution to the Monongalia County Commission to expand preventive health services and strengthen community health programs that serve uninsured, Medicaid-enrolled, and other vulnerable residents throughout the county.
Pictured left to right: Albert L. Wright, Jr., WVU Health System president and CEO; Jessica Alsop, WVU Health System chief legal officer; Monongalia County Commissioner Jeff Arnett; Commissioner Tom Bloom; Ben Gerber, WVU Health System chief strategy officer and Peak Health CEO; and Commissioner Sean Sikora.
The funding will support a broad range of evidence-based public health initiatives administered through the Monongalia County Health Department and other programs.
The investment reflects the WVU Health System’s ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of West Virginians by addressing community health needs before they become medical crises. The contribution will support preventive services ranging from immunizations and maternal health programs to dental care, cancer screenings, nutrition counseling, substance use prevention, and public health infrastructure.
“This investment reflects our belief that improving health begins long before a patient enters one of our hospitals or clinics,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Health System, said.
“Strong public health systems are essential to healthier communities, and we’re proud to partner with the Monongalia County Commission to expand access to preventive services, reduce health disparities, and ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors receive the care and support they need. Together, we are making a lasting investment in the health of our community.”
The funding will be used to support the following community health initiatives:
- Immunization services, including back-to-school vaccine clinics, adult immunizations, and seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
- Preventive dental care, including cleanings, oral health screenings, education, and the Smile Express mobile dentistry unit
- Maternal health services, including prenatal and postpartum care coordination, health education, and behavioral health and social needs screening
- Naloxone (Narcan) training and distribution
- Nutrition counseling
- Preventive screenings, including lead testing, cervical cancer screenings, and breast cancer education
- Acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of land and facilities that support public health services
The contribution is intended to address both immediate public health needs and long-term infrastructure improvements that benefit Monongalia County residents.
“We are deeply grateful to the WVU Health System for this extraordinary investment in the health of our community,” Thomas C. Bloom, president of the Monongalia County Commission, said
“This partnership will strengthen the work of the Monongalia County Health Department and expand access to preventive services that improve lives, reduce health disparities, and help build a healthier future for our residents. This is a transformational commitment that will have a positive impact on the health of Monongalia County for years to come.”
The contribution aligns with the WVU Health System’s broader population health strategy, which emphasizes expanding access to high-quality and responsive preventive care while addressing the social and environmental factors that influence health outcomes
About the WVU Health System
The West Virginia University Health System is West Virginia’s largest health system and the state’s largest employer with more than 3,500 licensed beds, 4,600 providers, 39,000 employees, and $8.5 billion in total operating revenues. The Health System is comprised of 25 hospitals – including J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, an 880-bed academic medical center, and the 150-bed WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia – and five institutes. To learn more, visit WVUMedicine.org.
For media inquiries: Leigh Limerick, WVU Medicine Manager of Marketing and Communications – [email protected]
