BSU’s $7.4 million to expand healthcare programs has been secured

Bluefield State University is getting a shot in the arm at its Medical Education Center in the former Bluefield Regional Medical Center.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito announced today that the university and the associated Applied Research Foundation will receive about $7.4 million to help to enhance health care in Southern West Viriginia, reduce health disparities and develop healthcare infrastructure in the area.

The funding was first announced earlier this year but now the money has been secured.

BSU acquired the former medical center from WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital in 2021 and converted a large portion of the facility to house its health care programs as well as provide housing for students.

The funding will allow the center to gradually expand its medical training to include radiologic technology, dental hygiene, mammography, respiratory therapy and surgical technology.

The center’s programs already include nursing, imaging science, nuclear medicine and health care administration.

Capito said the funding is part of about $40 million in Congressionally Directed Spending requests to be awarded around the state to improve health services and facilities.

“Whether it’s expanding our pipeline of health care professionals through educational resources or securing funds to make sure emergency services are available in our most rural areas, I am constantly working to expand the scope and quality of West Virginia’s health care infrastructure,” Capito said. In the announcement. “These CDS awards will expand emergency services, provide the capital to raise our standard of care, and help deliver better treatment outcomes in West Virginia. I’ve worked closely with our health care providers and educators to listen and identify their most pressing needs, and these awards will supplement the great initiatives they are taking. As Ranking Member of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to partner with local leaders to prioritize West Virginians’ health and work to ensure they get access to the care they need and deserve.”