the populations they support, including a marked decrease in A1C and BMI among care recipients.
According to Coon, these initiatives reflect her— and by extension, Vandalia’ s— commitment to improving health outcomes and building stronger, healthier communities through partnership.
“ Relationships matter. I am a relationship person, and today in the role I have, I am working daily with folks I worked with when I was in the insurance industry,” says Coon.“ Now, we are working collaboratively for their members and our patients to ensure they have the resources needed to hopefully improve their health outcomes.”
Coon also stresses the importance of helping everyday folks connect the dots between managing their critical health needs and navigating the often complicated systems of care.
“ Health care is a very confusing world, even for folks who work in it every day. So, in collaborating with our community partners, we can help our members in their local community by connecting them to resources,” says Coon.“ We do not have to do it all. With all of us working together, keeping the patient in the center, it is a lighter load for all.”
For Coon, much of her professional success comes down to the joy of working with others and learning every day and her enduring admiration for the Mountain State and its people.
“ West Virginia is home. My family is here, and I truly love this state,” says Coon.“ What makes it special is the people. West Virginians care deeply about our neighbors and communities.” •
Healthy Neighborhood
Launched in 2023, Healthy Neighborhood is a food security initiative of Vandalia Health Network that addresses hunger while encouraging healthier eating.
Initially financed through a $ 1.5 million, three-year grant from Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health, Healthy Neighborhood partners with food vendors like Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Walmart and Kroger to deliver reliable access to essential household provisions, alleviating barriers to food access.
Practices within the Vandalia Health Network screen potential Healthy Neighborhood members for food insecurity and chronic conditions. Once eligibility is determined, care recipients are provided a monthly stipend of up to $ 175 per household via prepaid InComm Healthcare debit cards. Members can then use these cards to purchase designated“ Better for You” items such as eggs, milk, bread, water and proteins in order to help their families stay nourished.
By helping ensure people have enough to eat and supporting better nutrition, Healthy Neighborhood endeavors to strengthen health outcomes and, as a result, make care more affordable. Since its inception, Healthy Neighborhood has served more than 2,000 community members across 45 counties in West Virginia. In 2025, Highmark West Virginia pledged an additional $ 1 million to expand the program’ s reach statewide.
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