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Three efforts to help more West Virginians stay healthy and in the workforce were awarded some of the first funds from the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Friday.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $2.4 million in what he said were the first three of multiple more implementation awards to come under the program.
“The goal behind these dollars is to not only expand these workforce clinics, but to make sure that we’re improving outcomes for people that are in employer-based care as well,” Morrisey said. “We want to make sure that more West Virginians have access to preventative care, have more access to telehealth, to healthcare screenings, chronic disease management. You have to manage these problems to avoid going to the next level.”
The Health to Prosperity initiative will expand employer-based healthcare services across West Virginia.
Health Secretary Dr. Arvin Singh said the funds are based on a simple principle.
“Health and economic prosperity are tied together,” Singh said. “When chronic conditions go unmanaged, the consequences extend beyond the individual. They affect the families, they affect employers, workforce participation, and ultimately our state’s economy.”
The awards are designed to make it easier for employees to access care, manage chronic conditions, and receive preventive services without unnecessary barriers. They go to:
- Spotted Owl Healthcare Organization: $1,174,000
- CAMC/Vandalia Health: $612,000
- Cabell Huntington Foundation: $612,000
Morrisey’s office said in a statement that the investments will help expand worksite clinics and employer-based healthcare services that make it easier for West Virginians to access care where they work.
Employees will have greater access to preventive care, health screenings, chronic disease management, occupational health services, care coordination, and referrals to additional care when needed, all of which can help more West Virginians stay healthy and active in the workforce.