Boone Memorial Health (BMH) has been named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious West Virginia Rural Health Association (WVRHA) Excellence in Rural Health – Organization Award. This award recognizes organizations that have made outstanding contributions to improving the health and well-being of West Virginia’s rural communities, highlighting innovative approaches and significant achievements in rural healthcare. The award was presented to BMH at the 32nd Annual West Virginia Rural Health Conference at the Resort at Glade Springs on Nov. 15.
BMH was selected for its dedication to enhancing healthcare access across Boone, Logan, Lincoln, and southern Kanawha counties and its innovative approach to improving community health. Since 2016, BMH has grown its team to over 500 employees, added specialty services in areas like podiatry, psychiatry, and cardiology, and launched the BMH Foundation for Community Health. These efforts are grounded in BMH’s belief that “your zip code should not determine your health,” and this award reflects BMH’s unwavering commitment to reducing barriers to quality care for all West Virginians, regardless of location.
“Our mission is driven by the understanding that rural residents face unique challenges in accessing healthcare, from transportation barriers to limited availability of specialized services,” said Virgil Underwood, President and CEO of Boone Memorial Health. “Through partnerships, community investment, and a focus on the social determinants of health, BMH is working to break down these barriers and ensure that our communities have the care they deserve. This award from the WVRHA is an affirmation of our commitment to making a difference, and on behalf of the entire BMH Family, we extend our sincere appreciation to the WVRHA for this recognition.”
One of the key initiatives that set BMH apart is its investment in community health programs aimed at addressing root causes of health disparities. The hiring of a Population Health Director and the launch of impactful community health education programs, such as the Healthy Lifestyle Program, Diabetes Self-Management, Walk with a Doc, Walk with Ease, and FARMacy, reflect BMH’s proactive approach to improving the overall health of its service area. The BMH Foundation for Community Health has already invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into projects that improve the social determinants of health, including funding for public amenities like tennis courts, outdoor gyms, and resources for first responders. BMH’s multi-million dollar Farmers Market and Greenhouse project, currently underway, will create a community space for fresh produce, health education, and agritourism, benefiting local families and strengthening the county’s economy.
Ray Harrell, BMH’s General Counsel and Chief External Affairs Officer, emphasized the significance of this recognition for rural health initiatives: “Our region’s health disparities are real and often deeply rooted, and in many areas, substantially higher than state and national averages. At Boone Memorial Health, we see these challenges as an opportunity to lead. By expanding specialty services, investing in community wellness, and innovating to meet our community’s unique needs, we are proving that rural healthcare can be both accessible and comprehensive.”
BMH has demonstrated exceptional growth and resilience over the past several years, continuously expanding services to ensure that residents no longer need to travel long distances for specialty care. Collaborations with WVU Medicine, CAMC Vandalia Health, and Marshall Health Network allow BMH to provide advanced medical services, including dermatology, general surgery, urology, and more in Boone County—services previously unavailable within an hour’s drive for many residents.
The WVRHA Excellence in Rural Health – Organization Award is a testament to BMH’s transformative impact on rural healthcare delivery in West Virginia. Boone Memorial Health remains steadfast in its mission to bring essential health services closer to home, improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for all it serves.
