Boone Memorial Health (BMH) is honored to announce that it has been awarded $5,894,527 million through Governor Jim Justice’s Rural Hospital Grant Program. The announcement was made at BMH on Dec. 10, 2024, by Governor Justice, who unveiled a total of $40 million in grant funding to support rural hospitals across West Virginia.
This transformative funding will allow BMH to advance several critical projects that will significantly enhance healthcare delivery in Boone, Logan, Lincoln, and southern Kanawha counties. The BMH initiatives supported by the nearly $6 million grant will include:
- Development of the first cancer center in Boone County’s history;
- Establishment of a behavioral health clinic in Chapmanville;
- Development of enhanced observation capabilities at Boone Memorial Hospital; and
- Match funding for BMH’s purchase of robotic-assisted surgery system, which was also supported by a $2.2 million Congressionally Directed Spending grant secured by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin.
“Rural hospitals are lifelines for the communities they serve, providing essential care where it is needed most,” said Virgil Underwood, President and CEO of BMH. “This funding recognizes the vital role rural healthcare plays in supporting our state’s people and economy. By investing in health systems like ours, Governor Justice and the West Virginia Legislature are helping ensure that even the most challenged areas have access to the care and resources they need to thrive.”
The cancer center will bring advanced oncology care and chemotherapy infusion services to Southern West Virginia, eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment. The behavioral health clinic in Chapmanville will provide critical mental health and substance use disorder services, addressing a pressing need in a region heavily impacted by the behavioral health crisis. The enhancement of observation capabilities will expand BMH’s capacity to provide short-term, continuous monitoring for patients requiring further evaluation before admission or discharge.
“This grant will enable us to significantly enhance our ability to meet the healthcare needs of our community,” said Angie Christian, Chief Operating Officer at BMH. “Each of these projects addresses a unique gap in services in our region. Whether it’s providing life-saving cancer treatments, supporting mental health, improving patient flow, or enhancing our surgery program, these initiatives will directly improve care for our patients and families.”
The funding announcement highlights the state’s commitment to addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities, including limited access to providers, geographic barriers, and aging infrastructure. These projects, supported by the Rural Hospital Grant Program, will ensure that residents have access to comprehensive, high-quality care close to home.
“Investing in healthcare infrastructure is critical to building a healthier and more resilient West Virginia,” said Ray Harrell, General Counsel and Chief External Affairs Officer at BMH. “For rural communities, this type of funding is a lifeline. It empowers hospitals like BMH to make the improvements necessary to deliver the highest standard of care while fostering economic stability in the regions we serve.”
Additional details about these projects will be released in the coming weeks as BMH continues to engage with stakeholders and finalize plans. All projects are subject to the receipt of necessary approvals. As a leader in rural healthcare, Boone Memorial Health is committed to leveraging this funding to create meaningful, sustainable improvements that benefit patients, families, and the broader community.
