12/19/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health’s (DH) Office of Emergency Medical Services is proud to announce significant updates and continued success in the statewide efforts to advance emergency medical care....more
12/16/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health is proud to announce that two Monongalia County schools, North Elementary School and Brookhaven Elementary School, earned top honors in the inaugural West Virginia Healthy Habits Schools Contest, recognizing innovat...more
The West Virginia Department of Health announces the stepping down of Dr. Matthew Christiansen from his role as state health officer....more
DoHS's Bureau for Medical Services announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has approved a five-year extension of the Evolving West Virginia Medicaid’s Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Section 1115 Demonstration....more
12/12/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) today celebrated the first cohort of graduates from its Leaders Thrive program....more
12/11/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) is proud to highlight key accomplishments and progress in child welfare over the past year....more
12/09/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is proud to announce a successful partnership with the department’s Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health (OMCFH) that is boosting lead testing efforts....more
11/21/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) has extended the application period for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) by two weeks....more
11/19/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) last week notified employees, staff, and other stakeholders of the forthcoming closure of the West Virginia Children’s Home (WVCH) in Elkins, effective December 31, 2024....more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) announced continued progress in reducing overdose deaths across the state....more
11/18/2024
Governor Jim Justice has proclaimed that West Virginia will join states across the country in observing National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 21, 2024....more
11/12/2024
DoHS is advancing its commitment to strategic long term family preservation and child welfare prevention by launching a new CarePortal pilot program and strengthening partnerships and investment in Family Support Centers (FSCs) across the state....more
DoHS is committed to supporting youth as they transition from foster care into adulthood. With a focus on comprehensive services, the State continues to expand its offerings to ensure foster youth have the tools they need for a successful transition....more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is reminding women that treatment for substance use disorder is available to support healthy pregnancies and reduce the risk of preterm births during Prematurity Awareness Month....more
11/07/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption are proud to announce the expansion of a key initiative aimed at increasing adoptions for youth in foster care who have been waiting the longest....more
11/06/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) joins communities across the nation in celebrating November as National Adoption Month....more
11/01/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services' Bureau for Family Assistance today announced that applications for LIEAP will be accepted starting Monday, November 4, 2024, and continuing through Wednesday, November 27, 2024....more
10/31/2024
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10/29/2024
As the West Virginia Department of Health, the West Virginia Department of Education, and Aetna Better Health of West Virginia prepare to celebrate creativity in health, schools across the state are reminded that the deadline to participate in the inaugur...more
10/27/2024
DoHS has placed Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center on provisional license status and reduced the facility’s capacity to zero, effective Sunday, October 27, 2024, following serious non-compliance with State child care licensure regulations....more
10/25/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has launched an immediate investigation in response to allegations of misconduct at Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center, following the circulation of a video on social media....more
10/23/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, alongside the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Fusion Center, and Marshall University, has made significant strides in forming the West Virginia Forensic Genealogy...more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) today announced a further reduction in overdose fatalities across the state. ...more
10/17/2024
Welch Community Hospital has been invited to participate in the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN)....more
10/15/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services' Bureau for Family Assistance and the Office of Inspector General have been awarded a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Fraud Framework Implementation Grant from the USDA....more
10/09/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) alongside the Office of the State Fire Marshal are encouraging residents to safeguard their homes and prioritize smoke alarm safety during Fire Prevention Week....more
10/07/2024
During a special meeting of the West Virginia Legislature, Dr. Stephen Loyd presented an update on the State’s ongoing efforts to address the critical issue of substance-exposed infants....more
10/04/2024
DoHS's Bureau for Family Assistance is extending the deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit replacement applications in response to the significant impact of Hurricane Helene....more
10/02/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the West Virginia EMS for Children Pediatric Symposium, which took place from September 30 to October 2, 2024, at the Boy Scouts of America’s Summit Bechtel Reserve...more
09/30/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) today announced a supplemental payment for Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) recipients....more
The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is urging residents to take proactive measures as COVID-19 cases rise in the state. ...more
09/26/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health is warning residents of a rise in emergency room visits related to bee stings....more
09/25/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health is proud to announce the West Virginia EMS for Children Pediatric Symposium....more
09/23/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is excited to expand the “I’m a WIC Kid” campaign....more
09/19/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) today announced a promising reduction in overdose fatalities across the state, aligning with positive national trends....more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services' Bureau for Family Assistance released new data on child care services and families who receive child care subsidies, highlighting the essential role that subsidies play for working families across the state....more
09/10/2024
The West Virginia Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) announces its collaboration with WIC programs in Rhode Island and Connecticut to increase equitable access to online shopping options for participants in all t...more
09/04/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) recognizes Adult Family Care Month, celebrating the vital role that Adult Family Care (AFC) providers play in communities across the state....more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Office of Drug Control Policy joins partners nationwide in recognizing National Recovery Month to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, and acknowledge the dedication of service providers....more
09/03/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) joins efforts to spotlight the importance of suicide prevention during National Suicide Prevention Month....more
As part of National Preparedness Month, the West Virginia Departments of Health (DH), Health Facilities (DHF), and Human Services (DoHS) are encouraging West Virginians to take part in the annual campaign focused on preparing for emergencies and disasters...more
08/27/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services announced another significant improvement in the retention rates among the Bureau for Social Services’ Child Protective Services staff, continuing to reflect the positive trend in workforce stability....more
08/26/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) has been awarded a five-year, $1.25 million grant award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)....more
08/22/2024
DoHS is aware of several reports suggesting that child care centers are facing a funding crisis and potential closure by the end of August. These reports are not accurate and are needlessly causing confusion....more
Gov. Jim Justice and DoHS announced today that providers have been notified that the Bureau for Medical Services will increase provider waiver rates by 15% on October 1, 2024....more
08/14/2024
DH Cabinet Secretary Sherri Young and DoHS Cabinet Secretary Cynthia Persily joined U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and actress Halle Berry for a roundtable discussion on menopause. ...more
08/12/2024
DoHS announced the completed implementation of West Virginia People’s Access to Help (WV PATH) making West Virginia the first State in the nation with a fully operational Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System....more
08/07/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) today announced the appointment of Kim Ricketts as Special Consultant to the DoHS Cabinet Secretary for the Bureau for Social Services (BSS)....more
08/06/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) joins organizations and advocates across the nation in recognizing August as Child Support Awareness Month....more
08/05/2024
DoHS has announced an expansion of its Transitional Living for Vulnerable Youth program, designed to support West Virginia’s vulnerable youth aged 17 to 21 as they transition from foster care and residential mental health treatment to independent living....more
07/31/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Office of Quality Assurance for Children’s Programs today announced the completion of the Children’s Mental and Behavioral Health Services Semi-Annual Quality and Outcomes Report. ...more
07/29/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) today announced the hiring of Susan File to serve as the first Statewide Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Coordinator....more
07/22/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), in conjunction with Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, today announced their collaboration to support children and families through The Promise Project....more
07/18/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services today announced the lowest number of children in State custody in more than seven years, in addition to continued improvements to its Child Protective Services and Youth Services workforce....more
07/17/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has partnered with Evident Change to design and implement the Structured Decision Making® (SDM) intake tool for its Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect and will host a two-day kickoff event....more
07/10/2024
DoHS has filed an extensive pleading asking the court hearing the challenge to its operation of the child welfare system to decide the case on summary summary judgment, without proceeding to a costly and unnecessary trial....more
07/08/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) today announced the completion of the first comprehensive study of homelessness in the state....more
07/03/2024
The West Virginia Departments of Health (DH) and Human Services (DoHS) issue essential safety guidelines ahead of the Independence Day holiday to ensure the well-being of West Virginia families....more
07/02/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the West Virginia Department of Education, has received one of 18 grants for the implementation of school-based health services through Medicaid and CHIP....more
07/01/2024
The West Virginia Departent of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) has begun accepting school clothing allowance applications on July 1, 2024, for eligible children enrolled in West Virginia schools....more
06/15/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) joins the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services to prioritize the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of older survivors on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day....more
06/14/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), in conjunction with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), will begin mailing West Virginia Summer EBT (WV-SEBT) benefits to eligible students on June 16, 2024. ...more
05/30/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has been recognized by the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) for its policy strategies shared at the State-Federal Respite Summit....more
05/25/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) today announced the agency is aware of the death of a three-month-old child on May 24, 2024, in a Cabell County hospital....more
05/21/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) Cabinet Secretary, Cynthia Persily, Ph.D., today released the following statement regarding the conclusion of the special session....more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) Cabinet Secretary, Cynthia Persily, Ph.D., released the following statement on the ongoing investigation into the death of a teenager in Boone County....more
05/13/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH), in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), observes National Prevention Week on May 12-18, 2024....more
05/10/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance, Division of Early Care and Education will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Child Care and Development Block Grant State Plan for FFY 2025 to 2027....more
05/06/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) honors Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week by spreading awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and the need for services....more
05/02/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Behavioral Health unites with agencies across the state and country during Mental Health Awareness Month to emphasize the vital role mental health plays in overall health and well-being....more
05/01/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) joins partners across the state and nationwide in commemorating National Foster Care Month by honoring the individuals and organizations dedicated to supporting children and youth in foster care....more
04/26/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring for transmission of measles following the state's first documented case since 2009....more
04/23/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) today released updated data following the completion of the State’s Medicaid unwinding period....more
04/22/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) joins partners across the nation this week, April 21, 2024 to April 27, 2024, to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). ...more
In light of the recent tragic death of a minor, West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) Cabinet Secretary, Cynthia Persily, Ph.D., released a statement....more
The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is highlighting National Infant Immunization Week, April 22-29, 2024, to encourage parents to make sure their children are up-to-date....more
The West Virginia Department of Health has confirmed the first case of measles since 2009 in a Monongalia County resident....more
04/19/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) has announced new changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children – commonly referred to as WIC. ...more
04/17/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance today announced that applications for the Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) will be accepted beginning Monday, April 22, 2024, to April 26, 2024....more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), in conjunction with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), announced the launch of a new federal public benefit program to support school-age children residing in low-income households....more
04/16/2024
Office of Nutrition Services today announced updated USDA income eligibility guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)....more
04/15/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Medical Services announced it will begin auditing Medicaid waiver providers on American Rescue Plan Act (APRA) funds that were received during the COVID-19 pandemic....more
04/11/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) is extending the time frame for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefit Replacement applications for some counties, due to the April 2, 2024 storm....more
04/09/2024
Since West Virginia became the first state in the country to provide statewide protocols for the administration of whole blood on ambulances...more
04/04/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) has launched a 14-week leadership training program, Leaders Thrive, that aims to develop employees’ leadership skills. ...more
04/01/2024
DoHS's Bureau for Social Services joins organizations and advocates from across the nation in recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month to highlight the importance of working together to prevent child abuse and neglect....more
03/29/2024
A magistrate judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia issued a decision Thursday to Plaintiff’s Motion for Sanctions in the case Jonathan R. et al. v. Jim Justice, et al. between DoHS and A Better Childhood....more
03/20/2024
Department of Health (DH) Cabinet Secretary Sherri Young, DO, MBA, FAAFP, today announced Justyn Cox as the new Executive Director of the West Virginia Health Care Authority (WVHCCA)....more
03/19/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is informing all West Virginians ages 65 and older they are eligible for an additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, following the CDC's recent recommendation....more
03/18/2024
DoHS has been selected as one of six states to participate in a federally funded policy academy to ensure 988 Suicide & Crisis Response Lifeline systems for people with intellectual and development disabilities, brain injury, and other impairments....more
03/07/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is highlighting the accessible supports aimed at promoting positive family outcomes and reducing the likelihood of involvement with the child welfare system....more
03/06/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), along with Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, Mission West Virginia, and ten foster care agencies have joined in collaboration to launch a statewide campaign focused on recruiting foster parents....more
03/04/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) joins partners across the nation in recognizing March as National Social Work Month to honor the invaluable contributions of social workers....more
03/01/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) co-hosted the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Region 3 Summit on “Overcoming Barriers to Pharmacy Dispensing of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)” in Charleston....more
02/24/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance and Coalfield Development Corporation have been recognized for their innovative partnership available to SNAP participants....more
02/23/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance reminds West Virginians that the application period for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) will end on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m....more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance announced applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program will be accepted beginning Monday, February 26, 2024, through Thursday, March 1, 2024....more
02/21/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health (WVDH) is offering guidance following confirmation of the first case of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a non-commercial backyard flock in Kanawha County....more
02/13/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health (DH), West Virginia Department of Health Facilities (DHF), and West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) are currently accepting applications for the 2024 Summer Internship Program....more
DoHS's Bureau for Family Assistance is encouraging Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and SNAP Employment and Training recipients to apply for the West Virginia Women Work (WVWW) Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program....more
02/07/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) announced public comments will be accepted on the FFY2024 State Plan for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through March 18, 2024....more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) and Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) today announced the successful outcomes of DoHS-funded substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs....more
02/05/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is partnering with the American Heart Association to encourage West Virginians, especially women, to focus on their cardiovascular health as part of American Heart Month....more
02/01/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) announced Palco, a financial management services (FMS) company, will provide services to West Virginia Medicaid recipients, effective April 1, 2024....more
01/24/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) and Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) today co-hosted the West Virginia Polysubstance Summit: Current Trends Across the Continuum of Substance Use Disorder Care....more
01/23/2024
The Office of Environmental Health Services (OEHS) within the West Virginia Department of Health’s (DH) Bureau for Public Health is working with local water systems to reduce the risk of cyberattacks on public water and wastewater systems....more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) announced additional services for youth preparing to transition out of foster care....more
01/22/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is partnering with the American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region to encourage residents to consider blood donation....more
01/18/2024
In the wake of several recent fatalities related to house fires, the WV Department of Health, WV State Fire Marshal’s Office, and WV Emergency Management Division are joining forces to remind West Virginians about fire safety practices....more
01/17/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) published a new feature on its Data Dashboard to reflect funded programs for substance use disorder (SUD)....more
01/16/2024
The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) has updated the West Virginia Sport Fish Consumption Advisory for 2024...more
Sherri A. Young, D.O., MBA, FAAFP, Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Health (DH) reminds residents of important safety precautions amid severe weather. ...more
01/12/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) announced vast vacancy improvements to the Child Protective Services (CPS) and Youth Services (YS) workforce within its Bureau for Social Services (BSS). ...more
01/11/2024
DH, DHF, and DoHS commend Gov. Jim Justice’s proposed allocation of funds from his Proposed Budget Bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 for each department. ...more
01/09/2024
As part of National Radon Action Month, the West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is encouraging West Virginians to test their home or workplace for radon. ...more
01/08/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) will begin mailing applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on January 8, 2024, to those who received LIEAP this past season. ...more
On January 1, 2024, DHHR was officially reorganized into three separate departments in accordance with House Bill 2006. ...more
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Social Services (BSS) joins partners across the country to raise awareness about human trafficking during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month....more
The West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (BCCSP) within the West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is encouraging women to be screened as part of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month....more
01/05/2024
DHF experienced an equipment malfunction on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Hopemont Hospital, a long-term care facility in Terra Alta. A thermostat on a water tank servicing one residential unit failed resulting in unsafe water temperatures. ...more
01/04/2024
DH, DHF, and DoHS are joining forces in January to highlight the resources available to West Virginians as part of Mental Wellness Month....more