Moms, babies make big gains under Medicaid expansion

By Sharon L. Carte

Jun 4, 2019

After a long public health career frequently reading and learning of poor health statistics or rankings for West Virginia, nothing cheers me like learning we are on top for a change, and it should cheer you, too.

Yes, West Virginia is among the top three states (along with New Mexico and Kentucky) with the highest declines in the rate of uninsured women of child-bearing age (18 to 44 years), according to a recent report by Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families. This good news means most women of child-bearing age in our state now have increased access to preventive care during pregnancy, their chances for adverse health outcomes are reduced and maternal mortality can be reduced.

By Brad McElhinny in News | May 11, 2019 at 11:58AM

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A new report not only makes recommendations to change West Virginia’s education system, it also tells a story of how the daily complications of students’ lives affects how they perform in school.

“It is apparent more needs to be done to address the consequences of poverty and the opioid crisis on West Virginia’s children,” the report says.

Kelli Caseman

“Public schools carry much of the burden created by abuse, neglect and household dysfunction.”

By Jordan Nelson The Register-Herald

Apr 21, 2019

Public schools throughout the state are in current crisis mode as the opioid epidemic continues to sweep its way in and remain a dark cloud over West Virginia, according to Diana Whitlock, the autism coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE).