Mountain State Times

Welch Community Hospital has been invited to join the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), a federal public health surveillance system managed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The West Virginia Department of Health Facilities announced this development, marking an important step in monitoring emergency department visits related to substance use.

DAWN provides crucial insights into the effects of illegal drugs and prescription medications nationwide. Welch Community Hospital is now part of a select group of hospitals across the country participating in this initiative.

Cabinet Secretary Michael J. Caruso commented, “We are thrilled to have Welch Community Hospital on board with DAWN. This partnership not only strengthens our data collection efforts but also enhances our capacity to address substance abuse in our communities. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on public health.”

The hospital will receive $50,000 annually to support its participation in DAWN. These funds will be allocated at the hospital's discretion. Trained data abstractors from Westat will manage data collection and reporting, ensuring minimal burden on the hospital as no direct patient identifiers are collected.

Mark Simpson, CEO of Welch Community Hospital, remarked, “Accepting this invitation to participate in DAWN is a significant step for us. It allows us to contribute valuable data that can inform public health strategies while providing essential resources to enhance our initiatives aimed at combating substance abuse.”

The data collected through DAWN aims to highlight emerging trends in substance use, enabling healthcare providers and policymakers to respond more effectively within West Virginia and beyond.

This collaboration highlights the commitment of both the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities and Welch Community Hospital to improving community health outcomes. By utilizing insights from DAWN, they plan to better tailor resources and interventions for those affected by substance use disorders.

For further details about Welch Community Hospital and its programs, visit their website at Welch Community Hospital (wv.gov).