MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Health System presented a large financial contribution Tuesday to the Monongalia County Commission as part of an effort to support public health initiatives in Monongalia County.
WVU Health System President and CEO Albert Wright presented a $9 million check to the commission which will directly support initiatives established by the Monongalia County Health Department. The check was presented as part of an ongoing collaboration between WVU Medicine and the Monongalia County Health Department to support initiatives ranging from maternal health services to vaccine clinics.
“We want to demonstrate that we are great partners in this journey to improve the health of West Virginians, especially West Virginians here in Mon County,” Wright said. “So we have brought with us a contribution that we would like to make to the Monongalia County Commission.”
In the presentation, Wright stated that the funding will support a broad range of evidence-based public health initiatives that have been provided through the MCHD for several years. This includes the Smile Express dentistry unit, cervical cancer screenings, as well as Naloxone training and nutrition counseling, which will be provided at the new MCHD headquarters located at White Birch Towers in Morgantown.
Wright told the commission the funds will help the county “continue to be able to move forward with these great preventative health programs and make sure you have the equipment and the people, programs, and facilities you need to continue to make a difference.”
The commission expressed appreciation to WVU Health Systems for the contribution while mentioning the collaborations with the MCHD over the course of nearly a decade. Commissioner Jeff Arnett mentioned the open collaborations with the department to support immunization services, particularly during COVID, as well as supporting dental care programs before the Smile Express unit expanded with mobile capabilities.
“Anytime that WVU Medicine is asked, usually we don’t even have to ask, you guys are there front and center and offering to help in any situation,” said Arnett. “We can’t thank you enough.”
Commission President Tom Bloom offered gratitude towards WVU Medicine for the ongoing relationship that has been maintained on a county level. This also included ongoing support while the MCHD was located next to Ruby Memorial Hospital prior to relocation as well as volunteers who offer their services to continue expanding health programs. Efforts that are greatly appreciated.
“It’s an investment in our community that makes the three of us very honored to be elected to oversee this county,” said Bloom. “So I have two words, and that’s thank you.”