West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a $2.4 million award to Ascend WV, aiming to recruit and retain healthcare professionals in rural communities across the state. The funding is part of a broader statewide push to address provider shortages through the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
Expanding Rural Healthcare Recruitment in West Virginia
According to an announcement from the state, the $2.4 million investment is funneled through the Mountain State Care Force, a key initiative under West Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program. Operated under West Virginia University, Ascend WV will implement a statewide recruitment and relocation program designed to attract licensed healthcare professionals to rural communities across West Virginia. The initiative sets a performance-based goal of recruiting at least 125 licensed healthcare professionals to rural parts of the state during its first year.
“We are moving quickly to put these historic resources to work improving healthcare outcomes for West Virginians,” Governor Morrisey said in a statement released by EIN Presswire. “That starts with making sure our communities have the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals they need.”
Wrap-Around Support and Community Integration Services
The program aims to combat long-term retention issues by offering comprehensive relocation and community integration services. According to program outlines, incoming professionals will receive assistance with housing navigation, spousal employment assistance, peer networking, and financial support designed to help them and their families establish roots in West Virginia communities.
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz noted via EIN Presswire that the federal Rural Health Transformation Program is helping states develop locally driven solutions. “This grant award demonstrates how this historic investment is empowering rural communities to strengthen their health systems, put patients first, and bring better care closer to home,” Oz said.
Broader Funding Rollout and Program Administration
The latest award to Ascend WV builds on a larger pool of financial resources. The rollout brings total funding opportunities announced through the Rural Health Transformation Program to more than $62 million. The overarching federal financial assistance award totals $199,476,098.72 and is 100% funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
State health officials emphasize that pairing recruitment with localized support is essential for sustainable change. “Ascend WV’s expertise in relocation and workforce integration makes them an ideal partner to help healthcare professionals and their families establish roots in West Virginia communities,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh, as reported by EIN Presswire.
Keep reading