ELKINS — Senate Appropriations Committee members Senators Joe Machin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced on Wednesday that two local health centers will receive a total of $2,399,819 in support.
Valley Health Care in Elkins and Mill Creek was awarded $1,202,457, while the Barbour Community Medical Services Association in Belington will receive $1,197,362.
The funding comes directly from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It is made possible through the HHS Health Center Cluster Grant Program and will help ensure that both facilities have the resources they need to deliver health services.
Both organizations play key roles in health care in Randolph and Barbour counties. The Barbour County Community Health Association provides exceptional health care, educational health services, and extensive wellness programs for all ages.
The BCHA owns and operates a host of facilities in Barbour County including: AB Wellness Center, Barbour Behavioral Health, Barbour Quick Care, Belington Medical Clinic, Belington Wellness Center, Brandon School-Based, Brandon Wellness Center, Myers Clinic, Philippi Wellness Center and Radiology.
Valley Health Care, meanwhile, provides comprehensive services for all healthcare needs including: acute care, behavioral health, eye care services, pediatrics, school-based clinics, substance abuse treatment, pharmacy, laboratory, imaging, and telehealth. Valley Health Care has clinics in both Elkins and Mill Creek.
Barbour Community Medical Services Association CEO Eric Ruf said his organization has been receiving the grant every three years since 2009. He noted the money is crucial to BCMSA being able to help those out who are less fortunate.
“We apply for this money every three years and it’s great news that we were awarded it again,” Ruf told The Inter-Mountain Wednesday. “The federal government provides us and several others in the state with this funding to help support our indigent population, those without insurance or those who are under-insured. This funding really helps us support those folks and make sure they are getting good quality care in the community at a more affordable price for those who need it.”
Ruf said the program and approval also allows BCMSA to participate in the 340B Drug Program.
“That program allows those same folks to get free and discounted prescription medication that they need for their health,” he said. “So this funding is really critical to what we do, especially in helping those who are less fortunate.”
Federally qualified health centers and community health centers across the state are eligible for the funding, Ruf said. An organization must keep up with all federal requirements and go through a rigorous application process to be awarded support through the HHS program, he said.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this funding for the Mill Creek and Belington communities,” said Manchin. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to ensure quality, affordable health services for every West Virginian across the Mountain State.”
“Health centers throughout West Virginia play an important role in providing resources and services to maintain healthy communities,” Capito said. “I’m glad to see this funding headed to facilities in Mill Creek and Belington, allowing them to continue supporting a broad range of health care services and ensuring patients can access quality care.”