Recognition presented during the 2026 Vandalia Health Network Annual Conference: Transforming Care Together at the Charleston Coliseum
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Boone Memorial Health (BMH) has been honored with the 2025 Heart of the Community Award from Vandalia Health Network (VHN), recognizing BMH’s exceptional commitment to improving community health through compassionate care, outreach, and meaningful local impact.
The award was presented on May 19 during the 2026 Vandalia Health Network Conference, Transforming Care Together, at the Charleston Coliseum. Accepting the honor on behalf of BMH were President and CEO Virgil Underwood; Chief Operating Officer Angie Christian; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amy Sayre; Chief Clinic Services Officer Jeff Mosteller; Director of Population Health Samantha Shawley-Brzoska; and General Counsel and Chief External Affairs Officer Ray Harrell, Jr.
In presenting the award, emcee April Jackson of Wellpoint WV, Inc., the conference’s title sponsor, described the Heart of the Community Award as a recognition that “is more than data; it represents a core belief present in every employee from the bedside to the office of the CEO.” Jackson highlighted BMH’s investment of “time, talents, and treasure” in making its community a better place to live, work, learn, and play, citing community-centric initiatives including blood drives, back-to-school events, Walk with a Doc, weekend entertainment, the BMH mobile recovery unit, and Market on Main.
“Recognizing Boone Memorial Health with the 2025 Heart of the Community Award was an honor,” said Michelle Coon, President of Vandalia Health Network. “This team exemplifies what it means to serve with heart—showing up for their community with compassion, creativity, and unwavering commitment. BMH truly embodies the spirit of this award.”
“We are grateful and honored to receive this recognition from Vandalia Health Network,” said BMH President and CEO Virgil Underwood. “At Boone Memorial Health, we believe that healthcare doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. It extends into every corner of the communities we serve, through Market on Main, our mobile recovery unit, and countless events and partnerships that bring people together. This recognition belongs to every member of our team whose heart for this community makes our work possible.”
The Heart of the Community Award reflects core priorities established in BMH’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, which commits the organization to improving the health and well-being of Southern West Virginia by addressing the full range of factors that shape community health, including access to care, food security, economic opportunity, and the social determinants of health. From the BMH Foundation for Community Health’s Market on Main initiative to the organization’s behavioral health and recovery programs, BMH continues investing in solutions designed to meet community needs beyond traditional healthcare.
