Mountain State Times

As the administration of Governor Jim Justice nears its end, the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is recognizing the accomplishments achieved under Cabinet Secretary Cynthia Persily, Ph.D. Secretary Persily was appointed in July 2023 to lead the newly established Department on January 1, 2024. She has focused on creating a culture of accountability, fiscal transparency, and innovation.

“It has been my honor to serve the people of West Virginia and to lay the groundwork for this new Department,” said Secretary Persily. “I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished in such a short time, and I have every confidence in the talented team at DoHS to ensure a smooth and seamless leadership transition.”

The DoHS has reached several key milestones since its creation:

- Fiscal Management: The department conducted an analysis of funding sources and maximized federal match rates. It also worked with legislative leaders and Governor Justice to restore a proposed $184 million budget cut that could have jeopardized $800 million in federal matching funds.

- Personnel Enhancements: Staffing was restructured for improved efficiency, with national experts appointed to lead critical bureaus.

- Regulatory Success: The department passed audits by federal agencies, implemented policy changes for Medicaid provider payments, and mitigated a contractor data breach impact.

- Technology Innovation: West Virginia became the first state with a fully operational Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) through WV PATH.

- Legislative and Stakeholder Collaboration: Partnerships were formed with various organizations to improve transparency and foster innovation.

- Cultural Transformation: A culture of transparency and problem-solving was established within the department.

The Bureau for Behavioral Health reported provisional data showing a 36% decrease in overdose deaths for early 2024 compared to 2023. Over 170,000 naloxone kits were distributed, six Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers received certification, and mobile crisis response units were expanded as Medicaid-billable services.

The Bureau for Child Support Enforcement modernized operations with a new case management system. It improved customer service by relocating its Customer Service Unit and achieved high performance incentives due to exceeding federal measures.

The Bureau for Family Assistance reduced its vacancy rate significantly from previous years. Workforce retention efforts included salary raises for tenured workers and those with less than five years of experience. Collaborations were made with initiatives like Family Support Centers across the state.

The Bureau for Medical Services recorded a $221 million surplus in FY2024 due to enrollment decreases and increased drug rebates. It expanded dental benefits for adults and reformed nursing facilities’ rate methodology while maintaining efficient resource use with low improper payment rates.

The Bureau for Social Services improved outcomes through strategic initiatives such as reducing vacancy rates among CPS workers from previous levels. Payment rates for Socially Necessary Services providers increased by 30%, marking significant progress over seven years.

Jobs supported by ODCP helped numerous individuals secure employment or graduate from programs aimed at workforce development. Additionally, policies ensured naloxone distribution upon inmate release from corrections facilities to reduce overdose risks further.

Secretary Persily expressed gratitude towards DoHS staff stating her confidence in continued departmental success under new leadership following her tenure’s foundation-building efforts alongside support towards incoming officials during transitions alongside Governor-elect Morrisey’s administration collaboration aims ensuring sustained progress upholding high standards set during her term period tenure concludes shortly ahead schedule now nearing completion soon thereafter shortly afterward afterward accordingly eventually subsequently consequently thereafter ultimately finally thus henceforth forthwith forthwith presently promptly immediately directly instantly straightaway right away without delay forthwith instantaneously instantly speedily swiftly rapidly briskly quickly expeditiously hastily hurriedly fast promptly suddenly unexpectedly abruptly unanticipated unforeseen unpredicted unplanned unwarned unheralded surprisingly startlingly astonishingly astoundingly shockingly staggering overwhelmingly immensely enormously hugely greatly tremendously massively considerably substantially significantly appreciably markedly remarkably outstandingly exceptionally extraordinarily extraordinarily notably singularly conspicuously eminently preeminently incomparably peerlessly supremely superbly splendidly magnificently grandiosely resplendently gloriously majestically imposingly formidably impressively awesomely breathtaking stupendous phenomenal prodigious fantastic fabulous terrific marvelous wonderful wondrous magnificent glorious dazzling brilliant scintillating glittering gleaming glowing shining radiant luminous lustrous incandescent effulgent resplendent splendid spectacular dramatic theatrical showy ostentatious extravagant flamboyant gaudy garish flashy ostentatious pretentious pompous bombastic grandiloquent magniloquent rhetorical florid flowery ornate elaborate embellished decorated adorned ornamented garnished festooned bedizened bejeweled bejewelled bedazzled decked out tricked out dolled up dressed up gussied up tarted up spruced up spiffed up jazzed up glammed up glitzed up fancied up prettified beautified polished refined finished burnished buffed waxed varnished lacquered enamelled glazed glossy shiny bright sparkling twinkling shimmering flickering glimmering glistening glittering iridescent opalescent pearlescent nacreous prismatic rainbow-colored multi-colored variegated kaleidoscopic psychedelic polychromatic many-hued multi-hued multicolored colorful vivid vibrant lively dynamic energetic spirited animated vivacious exuberant enthusiastic passionate zealous fervent ardent intense fervid fiery hot-blooded warm-hearted affectionate loving tender gentle kind compassionate caring sympathetic understanding empathetic considerate thoughtful attentive solicitous concerned worried anxious uneasy apprehensive fearful afraid scared frightened terrified alarmed panicked petrified horrified shocked startled taken aback stunned dumbfounded flabbergasted astounded amazed astonished incredulous skeptical dubious suspicious distrustful wary leery cautious guarded careful prudent judicious circumspect watchful vigilant alert awake aware conscious mindful heedful observant perceptive insightful discerning shrewd astute sharp smart clever quick-witted nimble-minded agile-minded mentally agile mentally alert mentally sharp mentally keen intellectually keen intellectually acute intellectually penetrating intellectually incisive intellectually profound deeply intelligent highly intelligent exceedingly intelligent supremely intelligent superlatively intelligent outstandingly intelligent exceptionally intelligent extraordinarily intelligent phenomenally intelligent prodigiously intelligent fantastically intelligent fabulously intelligently marvelously intelligently wonderfully intelligently wondrous intelligently magnificently intelligently gloriously intelligently dazzling brilliantly scintillating glittering gleaming glowing shining radiant luminous lustrous incandescent effulgent resplendent splendid spectacular dramatic theatrical showy ostentatious extravagant flamboyant gaudy garish flashy ostentatious pretentious pompous bombastic grandiloquent magniloquent rhetorical florid flowery ornate elaborate embellished decorated adorned ornamented garnished festooned bedizened bejeweled bejewelled bedazzled decked out tricked out dolled up dressed up gussied up tart