with pre-funded debit cards to purchase nutritious food at Kroger, Food Lion, Walmart, Amazon Fresh, Instacart and Dollar General.
“ This grant demonstrates our sustained commitment to improving whole-person health of West Virginians,” says Jay Sheehy, president of Highmark West Virginia.“ Highmark and WVU Medicine have a long-standing partnership focused on creating environments that support mental, physical and social well-being.”
Programs like Food for Mountaineers are critically important in West Virginia. According to Feeding America and U. S. Department of Agriculture data, one in six West Virginians face hunger, making the state the fourth highest in terms of food insecurity.
“ Health‐related social needs, including food insecurity and limited access to nutritious foods that support disease management, are significant drivers of overall health outcomes,” says Sarah Patrick, WVU Medicine Population Health medical director.
This continued funding builds upon the proven success of the initial Food for Mountaineers program. Demonstrating adaptability by expanding eligible items to include baby formula and adjusting policies to better align with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program( SNAP) benefits, the program ensures more individuals have access to the support they need. The program’ s success is also driven by the innovative payment solutions provided by InComm Healthcare.
“ Improving nutrition starts with getting funds to the individuals who need it most, then enabling them to purchase healthy foods at conveniently located stores,” says Joe Donato, senior vice president and general manager of InComm Healthcare.
Vandalia Health CAMC Achieves Magnet Designation
Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center( CAMC) has achieved Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’ s( ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program, the highest national honor for nursing excellence.
Considered the gold standard of nursing, Magnet designation is held by only 10 % of hospitals nationwide, and CAMC stands as the only multi-site, Magnet-designated facility in West Virginia. The designation includes CAMC General Hospital, CAMC Memorial Hospital, CAMC Teays Valley Hospital, CAMC Women and Children’ s Hospital and CAMC’ s outpatient services.
Nurses gathered at watch parties to hear the announcement live on March 20, 2026. CAMC achieved Magnet recognition as a reflection of its nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care.
“ Magnet recognition provides our community with the ultimate benchmark to measure the quality of patient care,” says Heidi Edwards, CAMC chief nursing officer.“ There has never been any question that CAMC nurses are the best. I am thrilled they now also have the recognition to prove it.”
The ANCC’ s Magnet Recognition Program distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. With this credential, CAMC joins the global community of Magnet-recognized organizations. The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, research and measurement of outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC evaluates applicants across several components and dimensions to gauge an organization’ s nursing excellence.
The foundation of this model comprises various elements deemed essential to delivering superior patient care. These include the quality of nursing leadership and coordination and collaboration across specialties as well as processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.
CAMC Magnet designation watch party celebration.
Partner Community Capital Named West Virginia Microloan Lender
Partner Community Capital( PCAP), a certified community development financial institution, has been designated as a new U. S. Small Business Administration( SBA) microloan lender in West Virginia.
With a mission rooted in helping businesses overcome barriers and achieve what others may see as out of reach, PCAP combines lending with tailored advisory services to support entrepreneurs in underserved and rural communities.
“ Being named an SBA microloan lender is a powerful step forward in our work to make the impossible possible for entrepreneurs across West Virginia,” says Marten Jenkins, president and CEO of PCAP.“ Access to capital is only part of the equation. By pairing lending with hands-on support, we’ re helping small businesses not just open their doors but also build something that lasts.”
Through the SBA microloan program, PCAP will offer small-dollar loans alongside technical assistance, helping entrepreneurs start, grow and sustain their businesses.
“ Too often, great ideas stall because traditional financing isn’ t accessible,” Jenkins says.“ At PCAP, we specialize in stepping into those gaps, bringing capital, creativity and partnership together to move businesses forward.”
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