INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State University (WVSU) has received $125,000 from Coalfield Health for improvements and expansion to better serve students in the school’s nursing and social work programs.
The $125,000 investment by the Chapmanville-based nonprofit organization was made possible through funding it received from Aetna Better Health of West Virginia.
“We are grateful to Coalfield Health and to Aetna Better Health of West Virginia for this significant investment into our nursing and social work programs that will enable additional opportunities for our students,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage. “We all understand the incredible need for trained health care professionals in West Virginia and this investment will ensure that West Virginia State University is continuing to meet that need head on.”
The funding will cover the enhancement of tracking field, internship, and clinical placements of WVSU students, while utilizing a clinical site management platform. Additionally, the funds will help create a culture of self-care for WVSU students and faculty, while increasing retention and better preparing students for employment post-graduation.
“We are thrilled to partner with Aetna Better Health and West Virginia State University to support the future of healthcare by providing vital funding to their nursing and social work schools. Together, we are fostering the next generation of compassionate, skilled professionals who will make a lasting impact on our communities and beyond. At Coalfield Health, it is critical to have this educational infrastructure and partnerships to help grow and recruit West Virginia’s talent to provide the best possible care to our patients,” said Coalfield Health CEO, Brent Tomblin.
“We’re committed to supporting the health and wellness of individuals and families across the state,” said Todd White, CEO, Aetna Better Health of West Virginia. “Our collaboration with WVSU and Coalfield Health will enable more nursing and social work students to develop the essential skills needed to make a direct impact on the health of our local communities.”
Coalfield Health is a rural, nonprofit organization that provides primary care, behavioral health, pediatrics and preventive health care services to Chapmanville, West Virginia, and the surrounding area. For more information, visit www.coalfieldhealth.com.
Aetna Better Health of West Virginia serves approximately 210,000 members across the state through the Mountain Health Trust and Mountain Health Promise managed care programs. For more information, visit www.aetnabetterhealth.com.
Follow West Virginia State University on Facebook, Instagram @wvsu_official, and Twitter @WVStateU.