Boone Memorial Health Major Projects
Boone Memorial Health ( BMH ) celebrated the grand opening of its new , 78,000-square-foot hospital facility in 2016 , and since then , it has expanded with the launch of four rural health clinics , a specialty clinic and a substance use and mental health treatment center that serve Boone , Lincoln , Logan and Kanawha counties .
Within the next few years , BMH plans to open a 45,000-square-foot health and wellness center that will bring a broad range of services to the coalfields . This new facility will have a primary care clinic , drive-thru clinic and pharmacy , as well as a fitness center that will be available to patients and community members . An education and event center will make up 2,000 square feet of the new facility and will host educational events and classes for the community . The new center will also include an affordable , casual dining restaurant that will utilize locally sourced ingredients . The Boone Memorial Health and Wellness Center will be located in Danville , WV , in the former Magic Mart building .
Thanks to more than $ 2 million in grant funding , BMH will also be breaking ground on a farmers market and greenhouse . The Madison Farmers Market and Greenhouse will be located on Main Street in downtown Madison , WV , and will also include an outdoor stage and seating area . Adults and students will be able to learn about different growing methods on-site . Local farmers and growers will be invited to sell their products at the market as well . The market and greenhouse are expected to open in the next year .
to health care for citizens in multiple rural counties in the region . One important factor that led to that success is the partnerships that have been developed with other agencies and health care allies in the community .
“ Our collaboration with WVU Medicine , CAMC Vandalia Health and Marshall Health has enabled us to increase access to care by providing highly specialized care right here in Boone County . I ’ ve learned that our advocates in federal , state and local governments are some of the strongest partners you can have as a health system ,” he says .
BMH has many new projects underway . These new projects will create jobs , address food insecurities in the region and reduce the health care disparities
in the community .
“ We have expanded our mission significantly over the last few years to reflect our understanding that , as a rural health care provider , it ’ s not only about treating the sick . It ’ s about closing the care gaps to allow us to prevent disease and improving the social determinants of health — the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes ,” Underwood says .
Underwood gives credit to the people in his life for his personal and professional success and for the success of BMH .
“ When I look at my wife , my children , my grandchildren , my friends and my colleagues , I am amazed at the intelligent , caring and hardworking people with whom I have been fortunate enough
to surround myself ,” he says .
Underwood ’ s passion for his community is also evident in the various capacities he serves the community outside of work . Underwood serves on the board of directors for Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College and the Driven Knights . His love for rural West Virginia has been a driving force throughout his career .
“ I think West Virginians still possess the mindset of people helping people and working together in a neighborly manner , which is an essential quality in both health care and community . Here in West Virginia , we ’ re all part of a big family , so being able to work in a role where we can give back to that community is very important to me ,” he says . •
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