Saturday, May 16, 2026
health

State Announces 15 New Rural Health Clinics to Combat Healthcare Deserts

The $45 million initiative targets counties where residents drive over an hour to reach a doctor.

Dr. Rachel Torres ·

West Virginia's DHHR announced a sweeping initiative to open 15 new rural health clinics across the state's most underserved counties.

The Problem

An estimated 200,000 West Virginians live in areas classified as healthcare deserts, where the nearest primary care physician is more than 60 minutes away.

The Plan

Each clinic will offer primary care, mental health counseling, telehealth, dental services, and pharmacy access. The program includes loan forgiveness incentives for healthcare workers who commit to three-year terms.