West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources
Recent News About West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources
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West Virginia Department recognizes dozens with Celebrating Healthy West Virginia Award
The West Virginia State Department of Health, Bureau for Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease (HPCD) announced the recipients of the 2024 Celebrating Healthy West Virginia Award at the Glade Springs Resort. Hosted by Active Southern West Virginia, this recognition celebrates 43 organizations dedicated to fostering environments that promote healthier living.
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West Virginia updates data on child care services and subsidies
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) released new data on child care services and subsidies, underscoring their importance for working families across the state.
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West Virginia reports significant drop in overdose fatalities
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) announced a significant reduction in overdose fatalities across the state, aligning with positive national trends. Recent data comparing the first quarter of 2023 to the same period in 2024 reveals a provisional 28% decrease in overdose deaths.
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West Virginia WIC collaborates with Rhode Island and Connecticut on online shopping initiative
The West Virginia Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has announced a collaboration with WIC programs in Rhode Island and Connecticut to enhance equitable access to online shopping options for participants across the three states.
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West Virginia recognizes National Recovery Month with events focused on addiction awareness
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) joins partners nationwide in recognizing National Recovery Month. This month-long observance promotes evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, supports the nation’s resilient and proud recovery community, and acknowledges the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery possible in all its forms.
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West Virginia honors adult family care providers during dedicated month
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) has designated September as Adult Family Care Month to celebrate the essential contributions of Adult Family Care (AFC) providers across the state. This month aims to honor individuals and families who offer a supportive, family-like environment for elderly and disabled adults unable to live independently.
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West Virginia officials promote disaster readiness during National Preparedness Month
As part of National Preparedness Month, the West Virginia Departments of Health (DH), Health Facilities (DHF), and Human Services (DoHS) are encouraging West Virginians to participate in the annual campaign focused on preparing for emergencies and disasters to keep families and communities safe. This year’s theme, “Start a Conversation,” emphasizes the need for open discussions about disaster preparedness.
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West Virginia urges public engagement during National Preparedness Month
As part of National Preparedness Month, the West Virginia Departments of Health (DH), Health Facilities (DHF), and Human Services (DoHS) are encouraging West Virginians to take part in the annual campaign focused on preparing for emergencies and disasters to keep families and communities safe. This year’s theme, “Start a Conversation,” focuses on the need for open discussions about disaster preparedness.
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West Virginia highlights suicide prevention efforts during National Suicide Prevention Month
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) joins efforts to spotlight the importance of suicide prevention during National Suicide Prevention Month. This month-long observance serves as a critical reminder to raise awareness, share resources, and encourage open conversations about mental health to save lives across West Virginia and beyond.
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West Virginia awarded $1.25 million SAMHSA grant for substance misuse prevention
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) has been awarded a five-year, $1.25 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This grant underscores an ongoing commitment to proactively address substance misuse and promote mental health across the state.
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John Manchin Senior Health Care Center supports community through resident-led initiatives
The Department of Health Facilities (DHF) has announced an initiative led by the residents of John Manchin Senior Health Care Center. Demonstrating community spirit, the residents have used funds from their own accounts to support the less fortunate through donations of canned goods.
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West Virginia DHS assures stability for child care amid federal rule changes
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has addressed reports suggesting that child care centers are facing a funding crisis and potential closure if state action is not taken or additional funds are not transferred by the end of August.
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Gov. Justice announces increases in provider waiver rates
Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) announced today that providers have been notified of an impending 15% increase in provider waiver rates, effective October 1, 2024. This adjustment follows recommendations from a service cost and rate review conducted by Myers and Stauffer LC, released on December 8, 2023. The Governor discussed the expansion during his weekly administration briefing.
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Senator Capito hosts roundtable on advancing menopause care
West Virginia Department of Health (DH) Cabinet Secretary Sherri Young, D.O. MBA, FAAFP, and West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) Cabinet Secretary Cynthia Persily, Ph.D., joined U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and actress Halle Berry for a roundtable discussion on menopause.
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West Virginia announces milestone with first statewide whole blood protocols
The West Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services has announced a significant milestone in advancing emergency medical care statewide. Under Governor Jim Justice’s leadership, West Virginia has become the first state to implement comprehensive statewide protocols for administering whole blood on ambulances. This initiative has shown success in saving lives and improving trauma care outcomes.
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West Virginia completes implementation of comprehensive child welfare information system
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) announced the completed implementation of West Virginia People’s Access to Help (WV PATH), making West Virginia the first state in the nation with a fully operational Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS).
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West Virginia Department of Health supports annual workplace wellness conference
The West Virginia Department of Health is supporting Active Southern West Virginia (Active SWV) for its fourth annual Workplace Wellness Conference and the Celebrating Healthy West Virginia Awards Ceremony. The event is scheduled to take place at Glade Springs Resort on September 18, 2024. This gathering will highlight the contributions of organizations and individuals committed to enhancing employee well-being.
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Kim Ricketts appointed special consultant by WV Department of Human Services
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) announced the appointment of Kim Ricketts as Special Consultant to the DoHS Cabinet Secretary for the Bureau for Social Services (BSS). Ricketts replaces former BSS Commissioner Jeff Pack, who was recently appointed as Commissioner of the West Virginia Bureau for Senior Services.
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West Virginia Department recognizes Child Support Awareness Month
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) joins organizations and advocates across the nation in recognizing August as Child Support Awareness Month to highlight the critical income support program that helps ensure the health, well-being, and stability of children throughout West Virginia.
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West Virginia expands transitional living program for vulnerable youth
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has announced an expansion of its Transitional Living for Vulnerable Youth (TLVY) program, designed to support West Virginia’s vulnerable youth aged 17 to 21 as they transition from foster care and residential mental health treatment to independent living.