Mountain State Health Care
As West Virginia works toward a healthier vision for its population , many key players are impacting the state and its people in profound ways . From medical schools making their homes here in the Mountain State to advanced health care systems providing top-notch services , West Virginians have access to a variety of resources they need . Reformation has been spurred by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic . With this has come technological advances allowing for services like telehealth to exponentially progress . This means the resources available at individuals ’ fingertips are ever growing and changing the lives and health of citizens .
To recognize their tireless commitment to the health and well-being of the Mountain State , West Virginia Executive magazine created the Mountain State Health Care section to highlight the dedicated health care communities and organizations that are positively affecting the state in countless ways . In this section , these providers share their successes and wins throughout the COVID- 19 pandemic and give insight into the inspiring health care environment in the
Mountain State , including new facilities , life-changing procedures and inventions and first-class practitioners that are enhancing care . From rehabilitation centers to medical and device technology companies , strides are being made in research and development and laboratory services throughout West Virginia . The innovative spirit and passion for the betterment of health is cause for highlighting the people and institutions committed to serving the citizens of Appalachia . •
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
COVID-19 Tracking Efforts Led by WVU Emphasize Need for Investment in Public Health
While most people go years without needing the smoke detectors in their homes , they would never choose to get rid of a device that saves lives and prevents injury in the event of an emergency ; but that ’ s often what happens to public health systems across the country .
Dr . Christopher J . Martin , professor for the West Virginia University ( WVU ) School of Public Health , calls it the “ paradox of public health .”
“ When everything is going well , you get this false sense of complacency and security , and you dismantle public health systems ,” Martin says .
Martin likens the public health infrastructure to a smoke detector : it needs to be built up and maintained , even when it appears unnecessary . sph @ hsc . wvu . edu publichealth . wvu . edu
64 Medical Center Drive P . O . Box 9190
Morgantown , WV 26505-9190
WVU School of Public Health efforts to help track the spread of COVID-19 through contact tracing , mapping , wastewater monitoring and more have played a pivotal role in West Virginia ’ s response to the pandemic . Yet , work by faculty members also emphasizes the need for a collective investment to ensure better delivery of health care and save lives in the future .
Read the full story and more by visiting publichealth . wvu . edu / highlights .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE