Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Association of Local Health Departments (WVALHD) has recognized five outstanding local health departments for their innovative approaches to addressing community health needs. The Nicholas County Health Department, Lewis County Health Department, Fayette County Health Department, Marshall County Health Department, and Monroe County Health Department each received the 2025 Innovation Award, celebrating their unique contributions to improving public health services through creative solutions and dedicated community partnerships.
The Innovation Award honors public health organizations that enhance service delivery or meet emerging needs in novel ways. These awardees exemplify commitment to tackling barriers such as language gaps, transportation challenges, vaccination access, emergency preparedness, and clinic efficiency, ultimately fostering healthier communities across West Virginia.
Nicholas County Health Department: Environmental Health Specialist Mr. Adams identified language barriers hindering a local business owner’s compliance with food safety codes during permitting processes. To bridge this gap, he developed “Basic Cooking Safety Tips” in Spanish and translated full communications to support culturally sensitive partnerships. This initiative expedited compliance, ensured safer operations, and facilitated a smoother business opening. “A genuine effort to understand others opens doors we didn’t know were there,” said Mr. Adams. Dr. Anita Stewart, Nicholas County Health Officer, added, “His self-prompted efforts embody true innovation and commitment to our community.”
The Nicholas County Health Department focuses on community-based interventions, emphasizing social, economic, environmental, and individual determinants of health through organization, assessments, planning, and evaluation.
Monroe County Health Department: Following a 2023 community needs assessment that highlighted transportation as a major barrier to healthcare, the department collaborated with local agencies via the Teaming for Learning for the Community (TLC) group. They presented findings to county commissioners, leading to the formation of a Transportation Committee. A county-wide survey revealed widespread needs, prompting partnerships with the WV Department of Transportation and Mountain Transit Authority (MTA). As a result, MTA now operates scheduled routes three days a week in Monroe County and serves as a medical transport provider for Medicaid and Medicare, reducing costs and improving access for residents.
Lewis County Health Department: The department’s vaccination outreach program overcomes barriers like transportation and finances through over 50 mobile clinics, multiple health fairs, and 75 annual home visits to homebound individuals— all managed by a small staff of four full-time and one part-time employee, often outside regular hours. This initiative ensures no one is left behind, expanding access and earning a deficiency-free FY25 evaluation from the Center for Local Health. Their efforts demonstrate exceptional dedication to prevention and education, translating public health principles into life-changing actions.
Marshall County Health Department (Dual Awards):
-
School Reunification Program: Threat Preparedness Director Chris Earnest led training in the “I Love U Guys” Standard Response Method for school reunification during emergencies. Collaborating with 27 federal, state, and local partners, including the FBI, he organized tabletop exercises, workshops, and a full-scale drill with 200 participants. This strengthened inter-agency relationships, integrated health department resources with EMS for mass casualty scenarios, and developed reunification plans for all Marshall County schools.
-
Family Planning No-Show Reduction Initiative: Addressing a 34% no-show rate in family planning clinics, the department implemented a Quality Improvement (QI) plan using the Square booking app for automated text reminders 48 hours in advance. This reduced the rate to 18% over three months, minimizing downtime, revenue loss, and health risks like delayed cancer screenings or unintended pregnancies. The program exemplifies evidence-based improvements yielding positive outcomes.
Fayette County Health Department: The department’s Integrated Community Engagement (ICE) Collaborative adapts the proven Iceland Prevention Model to strengthen protective factors and reduce risk factors for youth substance use in Fayette County. By emphasizing community building over direct drug focus, the program conducts annual anonymous student surveys in grades 7-12 to gather data on behaviors and needs. This evidence informs tailored interventions, secures funding for youth-centered programs, and drives environmental changes to delay substance initiation, lower disorder risks, and boost graduation rates. Partnerships with the West Virginia Prevention Research Center and WVU School of Public Health connect researchers, providers, policymakers, and locals to support youth across family, school, peer, and leisure domains. Committed to community-owned solutions, the department further enhances public health through asset assessments, strategic planning, program evaluation, reduced administrative costs, and addressing disparities via collaborative innovations.
“The WVALHD is proud to celebrate these local heroes who embody the spirit of innovation in public health,” said a WVALHD spokesperson. “Their programs not only meet immediate needs but build sustainable, healthier futures for West Virginians.”
About the West Virginia Association of Local Health Departments: The WVALHD represents local health departments statewide, promoting effective resource management, best practices, and collaborative efforts to improve public health outcomes.
For more information, contact John Marks, WVALHD Executive Director at marksjl1050@gmail.com, 304-541-3385.
