POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (WVDN)– Senator Jim Justice joined Marshall Health Network – Rivers Health officials to celebrate the opening of the new emergency department.
“Our emergency departments are absolute lifelines for West Virginians. When our folks are facing some of the toughest moments of their lives, they deserve to know that quality care is close by when they need it most. This new emergency department will be exactly that for Mason County and all the surrounding communities. I couldn’t be prouder to have played a part in this critical project, and I truly believe it will take care of our people, save lives, and serve West Virginia families for generations to come,” said Senator Jim Justice.
This enhanced Emergency Department represents what we want Marshall Health Network to mean for the communities we serve—high-quality emergency services close to home, strengthened by the expertise of an academic health system. For the people of Mason County and the surrounding region, that means greater access to the care they need, right here in their community,” said Beth L. Hammers, chief engagement officer of Marshall Health Network.
“In an emergency, every moment matters, and having high-quality care available close to home can make all the difference. Our team has cared for generations of families in this community. This new Emergency Department gives them the space and resources to continue that tradition while enhancing the overall experience for our patients and families,” said Shawn Bastin, president of Rivers Health.
BACKGROUND:
- As Governor, Senator Justice awarded Rivers Health $7 million through his Rural Hospital Grant program to help make this expansion possible.
- In January 2026, Senator Justice visited Rivers Health to highlight investments being made in rural health care across West Virginia, including nearly $200 million coming to the state through the Rural Health Transformation Program, which he supported through the One Big Beautiful Bill.
- This past week, the Trump administration announced a $4.2 million investment to expand rural healthcare access in West Virginia through the Rural Health Transformation Program in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.
