Health Departments

 I want to address an issue that is of paramount importance to the health and well-being of our communities: the support and strengthening of our local health departments.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role that our health departments play in safeguarding public health. However, it also highlighted the challenges these essential institutions face—challenges that we must address if we are to ensure they are fully equipped to protect us in times of crisis and beyond.

Why Our Health Departments Matter

Local health departments are the backbone of public health in West Virginia. They provide vital services such as immunizations, disease prevention, emergency preparedness, environmental health monitoring, and health education. In rural areas like ours, where access to healthcare can be limited, these services are not just important—they are lifesaving.

Yet, despite their importance, our health departments are often underfunded and understaffed. This lack of resources hampers their ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies, maintain routine health services, and address the ongoing health challenges that our communities face.

My Commitment to Supporting Health Departments

I am committed to advocating for policies and funding that will strengthen our health departments. This includes:

1. Increased Funding: I will work to secure state funding that is adequate and sustainable, ensuring our health departments have the resources they need to operate effectively. This includes advocating for federal funds to be allocated where they are most needed at the local level.

2. Workforce Support: I will support initiatives that attract and retain skilled public health professionals in our region. This includes offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and incentives for those willing to serve in rural and underserved areas.

3. Infrastructure Investment: I will push for investment in modernizing the infrastructure of our health departments, including upgrading facilities, technology, and equipment to meet the demands of contemporary public health challenges.

4. Emergency Preparedness: I will advocate for the development and funding of comprehensive emergency preparedness plans that allow our health departments to respond swiftly and effectively to any future public health crises.

5. Community Outreach and Education: I believe in the power of education to improve public health outcomes. I will support programs that enhance health literacy in our communities and ensure that our health departments have the tools to engage with the public effectively.

Why Your Support Matters

None of this can be accomplished without your support. As we move forward, I ask for your trust, your vote, and your active participation in this campaign. Together, we can ensure that our health departments are not just surviving but thriving—ready to protect and promote the health of every resident in our state.

Let us work together to build a healthier future for all of us. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas on how we can better support our health departments, I encourage you to reach out to me directly. Your voice is vital to this campaign and to the future of our state.