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West Virginia scores high in teen driver safety thanks to strict driving laws
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — For many teens, getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage. But behind the wheel, the milestone can carry serious risks. Car crashes remain the leading cause of death for drivers ages 16 to 19, who also face the highest...

Prevent Blindness implements Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee to combat diabetes-related eye diseases
Prevent Blindness has created a new advisory committee in order to provide guidance to the organization for the implementation of diabetes and eye health programming and education.1 The Prevent Blindness Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee will...

Virginia leaders and medical professionals warn the "Big Beautiful Bill" could devastate rural healthcare
TAZEWELL, VA (WVNS) – Leaders and medical professionals from around the Commonwealth of Virginia gathered in Tazewell to raise awareness for the possible negative side effects that could snowball after the passing of the Big Beautiful Bill. The...

Mobile kitchen comes to Barbour County Fair to encourage healthy eating
BELINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — West Virginia Health Right drove its mobile kitchen up from Charleston on Friday to the Barbour County Fair as part of the organization’s efforts to encourage healthy eating. Fairgoers had a chance to come and try a chili...

CVS Pharmacy awaits CDC approval to offer COVID-19 vaccines in 16 states
NEW YORK (WPIX) — The largest pharmacy company in the United States is currently not offering COVID-19 vaccines in 16 states. CVS Pharmacy cannot administer a vaccine without approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 16...

Dr. Peter Siska Brings Orthopedic Trauma Expertise to WVU Medicine
For more than 16 years, Dr. Peter Siska has been treating complex traumatic injuries, performing countless fracture repairs and joint replacements in Pittsburgh at UPMC Presbyterian. As Wheeling Hospital’s newest orthopedic surgeon, he is bringing...

West Virginia’s high-speed internet plan leaves out 40k homes with good enough service
Last week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that the state had finalized its $1.2 billion plan to bring high-speed broadband to homes and businesses in the state. “We are excited about the opportunity to bring broadband to every corner of our state...

WATCH: Angels of Assisi rescues 14 dumped puppies in West Virginia
ROANOKE, Va. – Angels of Assisi recently saved 14 dogs from McDowell County in West Virginia after they were found stranded on the side of the road. One of the dogs has an injured foot, and there may still be a couple roaming around in the...

West Virginia bishop opposes religious and philosophical exemptions to school vaccine law
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is weighing in on West Virginia’s ongoing debate over school vaccine exemptions, warning that efforts to loosen the state’s requirements put children at risk. In an article...

Pharmacies are not offering Covid-19 shots in 16 states as unclear guidance from FDA leaves them in limbo
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Town halls planned across West Virginia on healthcare funding cuts
West Virginians for Affordable Health Care (WVAHC) and Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVA) have announced a series of “Cuts & Consequences” town hall events to be held in September in Wheeling, Morgantown, and Princeton. The goal is to inform...

Capito, Justice Address West Virginia Business Leaders
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — More than nine months into the year, West Virginia’s two U.S. Senators provided the state’s business community an update on congressional actions, gridlock, and goals for the remainder of the year. U.S. Sens. Shelley...

Carol Miller highlights health care visits and education projects across West Virginia

Organizers gear up for workplace wellness event
OAK HILL — In an often-intensified, sometimes-draining world, workplace wellness is becoming more crucial to the health and well-being of individuals. To provide tools for achieving improved workplace wellness, Active Southern West Virginia is...

Appalachian College of Pharmacy welcomes class of 2027
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER OAKWOOD, Va. — First year pharmacy students participated in the white coat ceremony during their first week on the Appalachian College of Pharmacy campus. The ceremony, signifying first year class members’ entrance into the...

Why September is a Make-or-Break Month for Health Insurance ACA Subsidies
September 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most critical months for American healthcare in years. Two massive decisions are colliding at the same time. And millions of Americans are caught in the middle. The Perfect Storm Here’s what’s...

Governor faces legal pushback over sale of West Virginia state-run health facilities
WEST VIRGINIA (WOWK) — West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is facing pushback from a health care resident over the sale of state-run health care facilities, specifically the sale of the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont. State...

100,000 West Virginians will miss out on broadband upgrades under Morrisey’s new plan
Last week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that the state had finalized its $1.2 billion plan to bring high-speed broadband to homes and businesses in the state. “We are excited about the opportunity to bring broadband to every corner of our state...

West Virginia moving to offense in Backyard Brawl
For too long, West Virginia has sat at the bottom of health, education, and economic rankings. Policymakers have spent decades trying to solve these problems, but frustratingly little progress has occurred. Action, not platitudes, is needed for...

New WVJC programs aim to fill hospital staffing gaps across West Virginia
PRINCETON, W.Va. (WVVA) - Program directors met with students, hospital staff, and community members to showcase a respiratory therapy program launching in January 2026. They also discussed a possible radiologic technology program expected in...