AGP Executive Report

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced major Rural Health Transformation investments, including $3.2M at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital and $4M+ at Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center, with plans for a mobile clinic and AI-powered tools to cut paperwork and boost patient time. Health System Consolidation: Independence Health System officially joined WVU Health System under the WVU Medicine name, bringing five Western Pennsylvania hospitals into the network. Cancer Screening Access: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit will visit multiple West Virginia sites in late October, offering low-dose CT scans with options for insured patients and grant-supported screening for eligible uninsured residents. Drug Pricing Accountability: Michigan AG Dana Nessel urged consumers to check eligibility for generic drug settlement compensation tied to alleged price-inflation conspiracies, with similar multistate efforts underway. Community Health & Safety: A Kanawha County judge approved a $4.4M settlement for abused adopted children in Sissonville, while Fairmont firefighters received a $246K FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant for wellness-focused support. Public Health Watch: A former WV nonprofit vet clinic manager pleaded guilty to stealing $624K, citing an online gambling addiction.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced more than $3.2M for rural health transformation at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, including AI-powered ambient clinical listening tech for five hospitals and telehealth expansion efforts. Community Care Expansion: Morrisey also detailed $1.1M+ in awards to Community Care of West Virginia to upgrade telehealth, add a mobile healthcare unit for Braxton, Clay and Pocahontas counties, and build a rural healthcare apprenticeship pipeline. Minnie Hamilton Push: Another $4M+ package for Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center includes a $1.7M mobile clinic and plans to boost provider productivity and care access across central WV. Lung Cancer Screening Access: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit will visit Jane Lew, Salem, West Milford and Clarksburg in late October, offering low-dose CT scans for insured patients and grant-supported spots for eligible uninsured residents. ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration began mailing $500 checks to nearly 1M Americans in 30 states who bought coverage through the federal ACA marketplace, with eligibility tied to user-fee overcharges. Public Health Risk: A new study reports only 60% of liver transplant recipients are vaccinated against hepatitis B, leaving many at preventable risk. Disaster Deadline: FEMA individual assistance for some WV storm survivors runs until Oct. 3.

Mobile Lung Cancer Screening: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile unit is heading to Lewis and Harrison counties with low-dose CT scans on Oct. 27–30, with appointments requiring a physician order and insurance pre-authorization; uninsured West Virginians who meet criteria may be screened through grant support. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced $1.1M+ in Rural Health Transformation awards to Community Care of West Virginia, expanding telehealth and a mobile healthcare unit for Braxton, Clay, and Pocahontas counties. Autism Care Access: The Mountaineer Autism Project is urging Medicaid changes to improve access to Applied Behavior Analysis, citing low Medicaid participation among ABA centers and limited provider capacity. Opioid Settlement Funds: Brooke County commissioners say they could begin distributing opioid settlement money in the next few weeks after reviewing requests from local organizations. ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states will receive $500 refunds for alleged Affordable Care Act exchange overcharges, with payments starting in October. Data Privacy Settlement: A multistate settlement with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach totals $2.3M, with the breach potentially exposing sensitive patient data. Environmental Health Watch: DEP approved a site assessment plan for the Peoples Cartage fire near Parkersburg, warning of broad contamination potential. Public Health & Safety: West Virginia’s drug czar Dr. Stephen Loyd has resigned from the Morrisey administration.

Lung Cancer Access: WVU Medicine and the WVU Cancer Institute’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit will visit Lewis and Harrison counties in late October, offering low-dose CT scans by appointment (Oct. 27–30) with screenings billed to private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare; uninsured West Virginians may qualify through grant funding, but a physician’s order and prior authorization are required. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement over the Labcorp/AMCA 2019 data breach totals $2.3 million, with state attorneys general emphasizing that HIPAA-covered organizations can’t shift vendor security duties. Obesity Trends: A new national report finds West Virginia adult obesity dropped from 41.4% (2024) to 37.4% (2025), one of only two states showing a statistically significant decline, tied to healthier eating and greater GLP-1 use. Autism Care Shortage: Advocates say West Virginia’s Medicaid reimbursement rates are driving a shortage of behavioral therapists for children needing ABA therapy, leaving families on long waitlists. Rural Health Expansion: A Mercer County food pantry, Helpful Harvest, is building a larger site that will include a rural health clinic, community kitchen, and classes for families. Public Safety: After pedestrians were killed on W.Va. Rt. 44, community members are urging overhead lights and stricter speed enforcement.

Emergency Care Staffing: Valley Health says emergency department staffing will shift Thursday as it ends its contract with Emergency Medicine of Blue Ridge and brings in SCP Health for its six hospitals in Virginia and West Virginia, raising questions among clinicians about cost-cutting and care continuity. Campus Safety & Hazing: West Virginia University released its annual Clery Act safety report for 2025, including hazing statistics for the first time, adding new detail to campus crime and safety reporting. Rural Health Workforce Planning: Federal HRSA grants totaling $11.2 million will fund planning for 15 new rural physician residency programs across 14 states, but the new doctors won’t be available for years. Community Health Access: Local Infusion opened a new clinic in Hagerstown, aiming to bring faster, more affordable specialty IV infusion care to the Tri-State region, including parts of West Virginia. Public Health & Policy: A multistate effort led by state attorneys general is urging consumers to claim compensation tied to settlements over alleged generic drug price inflation. Prevention & Wellness: A new study on “BORG” blackout rage gallons finds many college drinkers report blackouts and other harmful outcomes, underscoring risks around alcohol trends. Local Movement for Safer Travel: Morgantown’s Mon Valley Green Space Coalition won county backing for a greenbelt network connecting parks and trails to improve pedestrian and cyclist routes.

Emergency Care Watch: Valley Health will shift emergency department staffing at Winchester Medical Center and five other hospitals starting Thursday, ending its contract with Emergency Medicine of Blue Ridge and bringing in SCP Health, a move tied to cost-cutting amid Medicare/Medicaid pressure. Workforce & Training: West Virginia Rural Health Transformation Program funding includes $201,403 for WVU Medicine Center for Nursing Education to expand nursing student capacity by about 100 each year, targeting rural and shortage-area students. Campus Safety: WVU released its annual Clery Act report for 2025, including a drop in reported rapes (20 in 2024 to 12 in 2025) and new hazing reporting under federal law. Cancer Support in the Community: Concord University Athletics partners with Ridin’ 4 A Cure, with players wearing pink ribbons in October and cancer survivors invited to walk onto the field. Public Health Practical Tips: WVU pharmacy experts urge patients to “treat the patient, not the packaging” when choosing over-the-counter respiratory virus products, warning against multi-ingredient options that may add risk. Local Health Events: The Lt. Aaron Acree Memorial Blood Drive returns Oct. 8-9 in Summersville, and Angels of Assisi brings a low-cost mobile vet clinic to Pearisburg Oct. 2. Health Policy & Access: Senator Jim Justice marked Senate passage of a bill renaming a New River Gorge playground to honor West Virginia children impacted by childhood cancer.

WVU Safety Watch: WVU released its latest Clery Act report, tracking campus crime and fire safety across Morgantown, Health Sciences in Charleston/Eastern WV, and the School of Nursing in Bridgeport; officials say reported rapes fell from 20 (2024) to 12 (2025), burglaries rose slightly (25 to 28), and hazing is now reportable under the new federal Stop Campus Hazing Act. Cancer Screening Push: A Bridgeport “Pink and Pearl” event raised support for early breast and lung cancer screening, including a fund that helps cover barriers to low-dose CT scans after a family member’s lung cancer death. Local Care Expansion: Village Caregiving held a grand opening for its Elkins office, already serving 40 clients with 43 caregivers and aiming to grow staffing to support seniors staying at home. Public Health Access Event: Village Caregiving in Lewisburg plans a Seniors Day Out on Sept. 29 with free health and vision screenings, community resources, door prizes, and bingo. Community Health Awards: WHYY earned five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards, highlighting strong regional journalism that includes health and human-interest coverage relevant to parts of West Virginia. Road Safety Tragedy: West Virginia State Police are investigating after two pedestrians were killed and a third was hospitalized following a hit on WV 44 in Logan County. Healthcare Workforce/Access: A new UHC Orthopaedics physician announcement highlights continued specialty staffing in the region, with an emphasis on adult reconstruction and musculoskeletal care.

Healthcare Workforce & Access: WVU Medicine is expanding pediatric care with a new $16M Golisano Children’s Robert Sonneborn Family Pediatric Outpatient Center at Wheeling Hospital, slated to open in Q1 2027. Cancer Screening & Prevention: A Bridgeport “Pink and Pearl” event raised support for lung and breast cancer screening, including a fund that helps remove financial barriers to low-dose CT lung scans. Public Health & Community Support: Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography will stop in multiple West Virginia counties in late October, offering 3D screening mammograms and help enrolling in the state breast and cervical cancer program for eligible uninsured/underinsured patients. Rural Health & Education: WVU is leading a 3-year, $1.6M POWER Initiative project to recruit, prepare, place, and retain teachers across West Virginia amid shortages. Policy & Health Equity: A West Virginia congressional challenger proposed a two-year moratorium on large data centers, calling for public health and utility-cost studies during the pause. Medical Safety & Data Privacy: Maryland joined a multistate $2.3M Labcorp settlement tied to a 2019 data breach involving a debt-collector vendor. Environmental Health: Reporting highlights low water funding for southern coalfields, with communities relying on expiring federal support for upgrades. Local Philanthropy: Mountain Valleys Shriners donated $1,000 to Shriners Children’s Lexington, continuing multiple 2026 contributions to children’s hospitals.

Data Privacy & Health Care: Maryland AG Brown announced a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp tied to the 2019 AMCA data breach, affecting 451,558 Marylanders and millions nationwide, with the focus on stronger vendor oversight. Cancer Screening Access: WVU Medicine’s Bonnie’s Bus will bring 3D mammography to multiple West Virginia counties in October, with help for uninsured and underinsured women through the state breast and cervical screening program. Lung Health & Black Lung: Advocates say federal enforcement delays keep black lung protections from moving forward, with New River Health’s Breathing Center warning the risk remains for miners. Community Pediatric Care: WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s is building a new pediatric outpatient center at Wheeling Hospital, aiming to open in early 2027 with separate sick and well wings and an after-hours clinic. Workforce & Local Health Ops: Monongalia County Health Department plans to end its affiliation with the state Division of Personnel, citing recruitment and retention challenges in a competitive market. Public Health Policy: A proposed “Neighbors, Not Servers Act” would pause large data center construction and require studies on public health, water, jobs, and utility costs.

Black Lung Policy Watch: New River Health leaders warn black lung protections are being delayed, echoing the long-ago Hawks Nest Tunnel tragedy as federal enforcement of a silica-dust rule remains paused. Cancer Screening Access: WVU Medicine’s Bonnie’s Bus is set to bring free and low-cost 3D mammograms across multiple West Virginia counties in late October, with help for uninsured women through the state screening program. Lung Cancer Fundraiser: A Bridgeport thoracic surgeon’s family-backed Low Dose CT-Scan Fund is expanding access for uninsured patients, with an “Afternoon for Hope” event Sunday at Bridgeport Country Club. Pediatric Care Expansion: WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s is building a $16 million pediatric outpatient center at Wheeling Hospital, targeting opening in early 2027 with separate sick/well wings and an after-hours clinic. Mental Health in Rural Schools: The West Virginia Psychological Association honored Dr. Casey Jo Cottrill for rural, school-based behavioral health work. Patient Data Breach Accountability: Multistate settlements tied to Labcorp/AMCA data breaches highlight stronger oversight demands for vendors handling sensitive health information. Public Health Infrastructure: A Gazette-Mail investigation finds southern coalfield counties received less state water and sewer investment, tying infrastructure gaps to lower life expectancy. Community Health Workforce: Monongalia County Health Department plans to end its affiliation with the state Division of Personnel, aiming to improve recruitment and retention. Opioid Threat Update: A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has been detected in 18 states, including West Virginia, raising overdose-risk concerns.

Lung cancer screening access: WVU Medicine thoracic surgeon Nick Baker honored his mother by launching the Veronica Baker Low Dose CT-Scan Fund for uninsured patients at United Hospital Center, and the hospital will host “An Afternoon for Hope” Sept. 27 to expand low-dose CT lung screenings and breast cancer risk assessments. Breast cancer outreach: WVU Medicine’s Bonnie’s Bus will bring 3D mammography and education to multiple West Virginia counties in late October, with help available for underinsured and uninsured women through the state screening program. Mental health in rural schools: The West Virginia Psychological Association named Dr. Casey Jo Cottrill of Barbour Community Health Association as the 2026 Early Career Citizen Psychologist Award for rural, school-based behavioral health work. Opioid response support: Preston County approved opioid settlement grant requests and hired new EMS staff, aiming to strengthen emergency medical services and related compliance. Public health and safety: The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting West Virginians to the New River Region Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 26 in Beckley, citing more than 39,000 people living with the disease in the state. Healthcare workforce pipeline: WVU announced a $1.6M, three-year POWER Initiative project to recruit, prepare, place, and retain teachers across West Virginia, targeting staffing shortages. Data privacy enforcement: A multistate coalition settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 patient data breach highlights ongoing pressure on vendors handling sensitive health information.

Opioid Alert: A Nashville forensic lab says it has identified the new synthetic opioid cychlorphine in 18 states, including West Virginia, after earlier reports linked it to dozens of deaths in East Tennessee—raising alarms for faster testing and harm-reduction. Breast Cancer Access: WVU Medicine’s “Bonnie’s Bus” is scheduled to bring 3D mammography and breast care education to multiple West Virginia counties in late October, with options for Medicaid/Medicare billing and help for uninsured women who qualify. Teacher Pipeline: WVU announced a $1.6M, three-year Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Initiative project aimed at recruiting, preparing, placing, and retaining teachers across West Virginia. Mental Health Recognition: The West Virginia Psychological Association honored Dr. Casey Jo Cottrill for rural, school-based behavioral health work. Alzheimer’s Fundraiser: The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting West Virginians to the New River Region Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Beckley on Sept. 26. EMS Staffing: Preston County approved opioid settlement grant requests and hired new EMS leadership roles. Public Health & Safety: West Virginia’s archery and crossbow big-game seasons open Sept. 26 for deer, bear, and wild boar.

Mobile Health Access: WVU Medicine’s “Bonnie’s Bus” mobile mammography will bring 3D screening to Hardy, Kanawha, Randolph, Jackson and Harrison counties in late October, with appointments Oct. 22–24 at multiple sites; screenings are billed to private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, and uninsured/underinsured women may qualify for free help through the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Maternal Mental Health: Massachusetts’ Lindsay Clancy case ended in a mistrial, but it’s already spurred proposed state funding to expand mental health care for new mothers, spotlighting postpartum depression and psychosis. Public Health Watch: CDC reports 3,659 measles cases nationwide as of Sept. 24, with West Virginia among the jurisdictions reporting cases and most cases tied to outbreaks. Opioid Harm Reduction: Save a Life Day continued across West Virginia with large-scale naloxone distribution and training, including local events in Charleston and the Northern Panhandle. Healthcare Costs & Coverage: Oklahoma faces steep ACA premium increases (up to 60%–75%), while West Virginia-related pharmacy benefit manager Navitus was fined $800,000 for rebate violations. Workforce & Community Support: A West Virginia Student Support Summit drew about 400 school professionals focused on counseling, student mental health and family engagement.

Breast Cancer Screening Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile “Bonnie’s Bus” will bring 3D mammograms and breast care education to Hardy, Kanawha, Randolph, Jackson and Harrison counties in late October, with appointments and insurance/assistance options including the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program for eligible uninsured or underinsured women. Overdose Prevention: West Virginia communities marked Save a Life Day with free naloxone (Narcan) distribution and training—Monongalia County’s Quick Response Team and WVU student sites handed out thousands of two-dose kits, while groups in Buckhannon and Parkersburg/Westbrook Health Services also provided kits and resources. Health Data Security: A multistate coalition announced a $2.3 million settlement with Labcorp tied to the 2019 AMCA data breach, with reforms focused on stronger vendor management for sensitive health information. Public Health & Environment: Kanawha Falls sewer customers are still waiting on repairs tied to flood damage, as timelines shift with the sale to West Virginia American Water. Food Safety: A new recall warns of possible STEC and/or Salmonella contamination in Berlin Seeds alfalfa sprouting seed sold across multiple states. Community Health Context: A new national report finds adult obesity remains high—21 states at or above 35%—and flags prevention funding cuts as a risk.

Labcorp Data Breach Settlement: New York and a multistate coalition secured about $2.3 million from Labcorp over a 2019 breach tied to its debt collector, AMCA, with required reforms to strengthen data security and vendor handling. Harm Reduction in Action: Westbrook Health Services helped mark Save a Life Day by distributing free naloxone across eight West Virginia counties, pairing kits with overdose prevention education and recovery resource links. Public Health Recalls: Another produce recall was announced after concerns about contamination with life-threatening bacteria, including STEC and/or Salmonella, tied to alfalfa sprouting seed. Workforce & Care Access: WVU is launching a $1.6 million, three-year teacher recruitment and retention effort aimed at strengthening the Mountain State’s education pipeline—an indirect but important lever for long-term community health. Source Water Protection: Beckley Water Company adopted highway stretches near its treatment facilities through the state Adopt-A-Highway program as part of Source Water Protection Week. Local Safety: A crane malfunction caused a fatal I-79 bridge construction accident in Marion County, sending multiple workers for medical treatment. Healthcare Policy & Costs: Commentary highlights how ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained) shows many West Virginians struggle with basics even when they’re above the poverty line.

Teacher Workforce Grant: WVU is launching a place-based, three-year teacher recruitment and retention effort with $1.6M in Appalachian Regional Commission POWER funding, aiming to recruit, prepare, place, and retain educators across West Virginia. Rural Hospital Expansion: Vandalia Health held the grand opening of its Mon Harrison Neighborhood Hospital in Bridgeport, a $26M project adding 24/7 emergency and inpatient services starting Sept. 29. Mammography Access: Vandalia Health’s mobile mammography unit will run walk-in screenings at multiple West Virginia sites throughout October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Community Health Funding: A new West Virginia Hospital Association report says hospitals delivered more than $1B in community benefits and generated $19.1B in statewide economic activity. Public Health Safety: WVU Police issued a community notice warning students about risks from drug and alcohol use, including guidance on counterfeit substances and overdose emergencies. Disaster Food Help: West Virginia DoHS provided D-SNAP disaster food assistance to 86 households (348 people) after July storms and flooding in four counties. Health Care Accountability: WV Supreme Court upheld dismissal of a $1B medical liability lawsuit against Marshall Health Network for missing required pre-suit steps. Rabies Alert: A rabid bat in Kanawha County is prompting reminders to keep pets vaccinated and seek medical help after bites or scratches.