By Jennifer Jett Prezkop
There’s a lot on the line for anyone who works in the health care industry, and that’s particularly true in West Virginia, a state whose health care ranks 48th in the country. According to the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Services’ Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease’s 2018 report, the following national rankings paint a concerning picture of the state’s population health:
- First in obesity
- First in overall cardiovascular disease
- Second in diabetes
- Third in cancer diagnoses
West Virginia’s health care professionals carry the weight of an unhealthy population, working every day to cure ailments, prevent illnesses and promote a proactive lifestyle that will lead to a higher quality of life and longevity. On top of this, they wrestle with mental health issues and substance use disorder, all while looking for ways to overcome obstacles with health insurance. From doctors, nurses and surgeons to administrators, educators, researchers and entrepreneurs, it’s an all-hands-on-deck effort every day to help make—and keep—West Virginians healthy.
It’s this very reason West Virginia Executive (WVE) magazine chose to launch the West Virginia Health Care Hall of Fame. Similar to the magazine’s other awards programs, the Hall of Fame seeks out the best and brightest in West Virginia. Unlike the other programs, this one is exclusive to those who work in the health care industry.
The criteria for this awards program are also a little different. The staff at WVE sought out nominations for individuals who have had a specific impact on health care in the Mountain State, whether that was starting a unique business to meet a high-demand need, developing medical devices to improve treatment, acting as a trailblazer in the industry, leading efforts to treat underserved populations or finding unique ways to address the state’s health issues like the drug epidemic. Nominees must also have been in their current position for at least two years and currently live in West Virginia.
WVE is proud to introduce the 2020 West Virginia Health Care Hall of Fame. These 10 West Virginians show their passion for the Mountain State and their gratitude for the unique opportunities they have found here by having a direct impact on the health and well-being of West Virginians every day in very tangible ways.
