The coronavirus pandemic brought with it heightened attention to many of the disparities facing rural West Virginians, including the burden of traveling long distances to receive health care. It also brought new habits, such as social distancing and quarantining, to limit the virus’s spread—increasing overall acceptance and the level of importance placed on bringing telehealth services to the Mountain State.
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, many people outside the Appalachian region have showed an interest in relocating to more rural areas, including West Virginia. One of the main criteria for many people looking to move is access to quality health care amenities. While statistically West Virginians face some less than favorable health outcomes and some struggle to gain access to health care due to the rural terrain, the Mountain State is also home to several world-class health care systems and a culture that takes care of its own.
The effects of the coronavirus pandemic pushed people toward remote work, which is a trend that will most likely continue even after it is safe to return to the office. Many employers and companies have found workers are just as or more productive from home, allowing them to cut costs by incurring fewer overhead expenses.
In 2019, the aerospace industry supported 4,000 jobs and created a $1.3 billion total economic output in West Virginia. A hidden gem, the Mountain State’s aerospace industry is built around access to raw materials, development assistance, education and location.
What does it take to become part of West Virginia Executive (WVE) magazine’s elite history of Young Guns? It’s more than just a nomination based on career success and a dedication to community service—though these certainly factor in. It involves a heart of gold mixed with the Mountaineer spirit.
When people think of West Virginia, they often picture beautiful mountains, active coal mines and tight-knit communities. While natives know Almost Heaven is all that and more, outsiders don’t often associate the Mountain State with things like cutting-edge technology and major innovation.