Restructuring and Revitalizing
Rethinking Health and Human Resources
SAMANTHA CART
As a West Virginia citizen , if you need to report an instance of child abuse or suspected human trafficking , find information on child support or family assistance or file a civil rights complaint or FOIA request , you will be utilizing resources provided by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources ( DHHR ). Created in 1989 by the West Virginia Legislature , the DHHR is responsible for the state ’ s health and welfare programs and several social services and has served the needs of thousands over the past three decades . From 2020-2023 , alongside the West Virginia National Guard , it led the state government ’ s efforts in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic . As the largest executive branch agency in the Mountain State , the DHHR provides services in all 55 counties and employs close to 6,000 people .
Restructuring
On March 6 , 2023 , Governor Jim Justice signed House Bill ( HB ) 2006 , splitting the current DHHR into three separate departments : the West Virginia Department of Health , West Virginia Department of Human Services and West Virginia Department of Health Facilities . Effective January 1 , 2024 , the goal of the reorganization is to ensure West Virginians are served with the highest degree of care .
“ The goal of the separation is to distribute the authority and responsibility for these programs among three coequal , cabinet-level secretaries to maximize efficiencies resulting in optimal service delivery for state residents ,” says Sherri Young , D . O ., MBA , FAAFP .
On May 24 , 2023 , Justice appointed the three cabinet secretaries : Young , interim DHHR secretary and incoming
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE