WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals and Partners Promote Healthy Eating Habits
WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals continues to promote healthy eating habits with its FARMacy WV program . The 15-week program provides food-as-medicine prescriptions to patients with chronic disease . Each patient enrolled receives a one-week supply of fresh produce provided by John Crihfield Farms & Greenhouses and nutrition and cooking classes through the WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program .
“ Research indicates that dietary habits impact risk for chronic diseases ,” Greg Rosencrance , M . D ., president and CEO of WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals , says . “ We are proud to partner with FARMacy WV , WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program , Crichfield Farms and , most importantly , our patients who are participating in this innovative program , to ultimately help them discover the lasting benefits of a healthy lifestyle . We also appreciate our partners at Aetna Better Health of West Virginia for funding this important program .”
Thomas Hospitals FARMacy program participants were selected by their health care provider based on chronic disease factors , including diabetes , obesity , hypertension and heart disease . Enrollment is closed for this year but patients at Thomas Hospitals can find out more by talking with their health care provider and visiting farmacywv . com .
“ Unfortunately , West Virginia leads the country in rates of chronic disease . Improving diet can positively impact overall health , but we know that barriers like access to produce and affordability of fresh food can limit patients from choosing healthier options ,” says Amanda Cummins PA-C , co-founder of FARMacy WV . “ FARMacy WV aims to get local produce to patients who need it most . With more than 30 locations across the state , our aggregate data shows that FARMacy WV participants obtain lower HgA1C rates , have improved control of their diabetes , feel better and learn to eat smarter . Dr . Carol Greco and I are excited for WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals ’ initiative to host a pilot FARMacy WV program for this part of the state .”
Rural Development Announces $ 1.1 Million to Support West Virginia Small Businesses
U . S . Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) Rural Development West Virginia State Director Ryan Thorn announced $ 1.1 million in funding to support rural small businesses , entrepreneurs and agricultural producers across the Mountain State .
“ The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to creating new opportunities while strengthening and diversifying the local economies of our rural communities ,” says Thorn . “ These investments will help create business incubation centers , expand value-added and agricultural products , train women for nontraditional occupations in the workforce and provide technical assistance to farmers and small businesses to help cut energy costs and bolster their bottom lines .”
Funding for the projects comes from the Rural Business Development Grant ( RBDG ) program , which promotes economic development and job creation projects that benefit rural areas , and the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant ( REAP TAG ) program , which helps eligible organizations provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and small businesses applying to the Rural Energy for America Program .
The announcement was made at Capitol Market in Charleston , which is receiving a $ 95,000 RBDG award to upgrade its outdoor market space allowing for additional programming to attract and retain farmers and producers . This year marked the first time that organizations in the
Jim Smallridge , lead director of community development for Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Greg Rosencrance , M . D ., president and CEO of WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals .
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