Mountain State Times

Outgoing Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sherri Young expressed gratitude to the people of West Virginia for the opportunity to lead the Department of Health and thanked her staff for their dedication in advancing public health. As she transitions leadership to Dr. Arvin Singh, Dr. Young reflected on the department’s achievements under her leadership.

“It has truly been an honor to serve as Cabinet Secretary and work alongside such a dedicated team of professionals. I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished together, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of the people of West Virginia,” said Dr. Young. “A job is just that, a job. Regardless of a title, I will always carry the health and wellbeing of West Virginians in my heart. It doesn’t matter if I’m in a clinic, a hospital, an office, or going door-to-door, I will always serve the great people of West Virginia when and where they need me.”

During Dr. Young’s tenure, significant advancements were made within the West Virginia Department of Health, including strategic restructuring aimed at improving efficiency and accountability. Key offices were brought together under a more direct reporting structure for quicker responses to public health challenges.

Notable achievements included overhauling the state’s grant management process for efficient funding distribution. In September 2024, 159 out of 265 SFY25 subrecipient grants were finalized with signed agreements.

Dr. Young also led initiatives like implementing a statewide whole blood protocol to improve trauma survival rates in rural areas and addressing EMS workforce shortages through the “Answer the Call” initiative, resulting in a 75% increase in certified EMS professionals.

“I am proud of the progress we’ve made in expanding access to emergency medical services, enhancing trauma care, and making West Virginia a leader in public health initiatives,” Dr. Young continued.

Dr. Arvin Singh will now lead the Department of Health with his background in healthcare leadership and operations. He holds multiple advanced degrees from institutions like George Washington University and Penn State University.

Governor Patrick Morrisey stated: “I want to thank Dr. Sherri Young for her long-standing public service and dedication to improving the health and well-being of West Virginians." He expressed confidence that Dr. Singh would continue this important work with excellence.

"I am deeply grateful to Governor Morrisey for the opportunity to serve as Secretary of Health for West Virginia,” Dr. Singh added.

Dr. Young wished Dr. Singh success in his new role: “I am confident that Dr. Singh will continue the progress we have made and build upon it in meaningful ways.”

As leadership transitions, both Dr. Singh and Governor Morrisey are committed to maintaining seamless operations while enhancing public health efforts in West Virginia.