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While participating in sports or living a generally active lifestyle comes with many health benefits, it also carries an increased risk of bodily injury, sometimes resulting in athletes being forced to stop doing the things they love.

West Virginia thrives when the health of its people comes first. A strong, healthy population supports an increased quality of life, fuels a productive workforce and helps communities grow and succeed. Achieving this requires a committed health care industry, and the Mountain State is fortunate to be home to countless professionals who dedicate their careers to caring for others.

When someone is in the thick of serious illness, the definition of health care expands even further, and sectors of this industry that often go unnoticed become increasingly important to the successful care of vulnerable patients and their families—particularly those who must travel to receive necessary treatment. In West Virginia, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and Rosenbaum Family House (RFH) are tending to the invisible needs of medical travelers.

With 54,000 skilled and dedicated professionals, West Virginia’s hospitals stand as guardians of health care access across the state. They deliver critical care around the clock, every single day, regardless of circumstances.

Across the U.S., mental health challenges are on the rise, and West Virginia is no exception. However, the Mountain State is home to a growing range of mental health services that go beyond traditional talk therapy. From brush strokes in an art studio to the companionship of a horse, residents of West Virginia are finding new ways to achieve mental wellness.

Organizations across the Mountain State strive to see their neighbors healthier. Through wellness, nutrition
and prevention, these efforts are driving residents of all ages and demographics to take charge of their lives.

As a preview of the 2026 West Virginia Fairs & Festivals Event Guide (F&F), this story spotlights some of the organizations shaping the Mountain State’s vibrant fairs and festivals scene. While each fair or festival member highlights something different, community remains a common theme.

West Virginia leads the country in chronic disease rates. Part of the long-term solution involves addressing the nutrition-insecurity overlap many patients face, which is a goal of FARMacyWV, a produce-prescription program.

For rural hospitals in West Virginia, access to reliable broadband and modern technology is no longer a luxury—it is necessary infrastructure that supports patient safety, continuous care and sustainability. Through the federal Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program, rural hospitals and wellness centers are gaining access to more affordable broadband services and network infrastructure that help bridge the gap between rural and urban health care systems.

West Virginia’s health care industry has grown significantly in recent years, and higher than average growth is expected to continue for at least five years. In contrast, West Virginia suffers from a very low rate of labor force participation and a shrinking population.