The Importance of Immunization to WV Kids
By Lisa M. Costello, MD, MPH, FAAP and Elaine Darling, MPH Before kids’ backpacks were zipped and the buses rolled out for the start of the new school year, parents and caregivers put in countless hours setting children up for success. We can vouch for that as two...
Two WV Moms and Health Leaders Share a Key Way to Keep Kids Healthy and in School
By Lisa M. Costello, MD, MPH, FAAP and Elaine Darling, MPH Before we know it, children across the Mountain State will be starting school, meeting new friends and teachers, and settling into new routines. A big part of those routines will be in childcare centers and...
Navigating Flu Season with a Chronic Disease
Living with a chronic disease has its daily challenges and can certainly take a toll on one’s physical and mental wellbeing. In the Mountain State, asthma, heart disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes, extreme obesity, and cancer are the most...
Driving Change: A Closer Look at The Center for Rural Health Development’s Programs
In the sprawling landscapes of West Virginia, where communities are often remote and rural, The Center for Rural Health Development (The Center) is dedicated to strengthening West Virginia’s healthcare infrastructure and improving the health of West Virginians. With a...
Community Revitalization Plan Unveiled for Smithers and Montgomery, West Virginia
Hurricane, WV - The cities of Smithers and Montgomery announce the release of Destination Hope: Smithers & Montgomery Intergenerational Gateway Community (SMIGC) Plan, using Dynamis Advisors’ Healthy Village® model. Supported by The Center for Rural Health...
Protect Your Child From Oral, Head, and Neck Cancers with HPV Vaccination
Each year, it is estimated that more than 68,000 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancers in the U.S. each year. This month, the West Virginia Immunization Network is working to remind West Virginians that some oral, head, and neck cancers can be prevented with...
3 Reasons Boys and Young Men Should Get the HPV Vaccine
A common misconception about the HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine is that only girls need to receive it to protect them against cervical cancer. What some people may not know, is that HPV vaccination can prevent other HPV-related cancers that can affect males, too....
Local Roots, Holistic Health: The Appalachian RX Story
Nestled amidst the hilly landscapes of Webster Springs, West Virginia, Appalachian RX stands as a testament to resilience and community-driven entrepreneurship. Co-founded by pharmacists Kenney Hamrick, PharmD, and Matthew Carpenter, PharmD, this pharmacy embodies a...
Protecting Yourself and Your Baby by Getting the Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy
During pregnancy it’s normal to have questions about the best steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy. With respiratory season in full force, we thought we’d address some commonly asked questions to make sure you are prepared to protect yourself and your baby from...
Annual Flu Shots Are Extra Important for Cancer Patients and Survivors
Flu season is here, and having cancer, or being a cancer survivor can increase your risk for flu complications and hospitalization. Protecting yourself from the flu is recommended for cancer patients and cancer survivors because the flu can be serious and sometimes...