Mountain State Times

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who is chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, delivered keynote remarks at the seventh annual Focus Forward conference held in Morgantown, West Virginia.

In her speech, Senator Capito addressed the connection between health, wellness, and economic mobility. She also shared updates on legislative solutions she is working on in the U.S. Senate aimed at enhancing health outcomes for residents of West Virginia. Following her remarks, she was presented with the American Association of Cancer Research's (AACR) 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award by Jon Retzlaff, AACR's Chief Policy Officer.

“The health and wellbeing of West Virginians is directly tied to the strength of our economy and the resilience of our people. As a United States Senator and as someone who has spent years working on health and economic issues—particularly in rural areas like West Virginia—I know just how interconnected these challenges are," Senator Capito said. "We cannot talk about economic mobility without talking about health, we cannot promote wellness without looking at access to care, and we cannot plan for the future without acknowledging that Americans are living longer – often with more complex health needs. I was glad to share this message during the Focus Forward Conference and continue working together to improve health care opportunities so all West Virginians have a fair shot at a healthy, productive life."

Jen Giovannitti, President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, also highlighted the significance of Senator Capito's participation in the conference. “We are honored that Senator Capito could join our seventh annual Focus Forward conference, a broad-based convening of leaders to better understand an emerging issue that will impact West Virginia's workforce and economy,” Giovannitti said. “As a leading champion in supporting legislation and policy on health, aging, neuroscience, cancer research and caregiving, her voice and impact at the federal and state level are critical as we navigate the future opportunities and challenges of how increasing life expectancies will impact our society, work, economy and everyday lives. We are grateful for her continued engagement at this event, as well as her leadership and time today.”

Photos from today's conference capture Senator Capito delivering her speech, receiving the Distinguished Public Service Award, and interacting with attendees.