Health & Science

In a final push to enroll more West Virginians in federal subsidized health insurance, the non-profit WV Navigator is hosting sign-up events this week. Assistance is also available by calling (304) 356-5834.

West Virginia University researchers are studying how rural residents can receive better mental health care access online, through a new program called the Appalachian Mind Health Initiative. It could have broader implications nationwide on how mental health care is brought to those who may not have strong resources.

West Virginia ranks far below the national average for registered organ donors. To raise awareness and encourage others to become an organ donor, Gov. Jim Justice signed a proclamation for the first-ever West Virginia Donor Day.

After 38 days of testimony and two days of closing arguments, attorneys representing Cabell County and the City of Huntington, as well as those representing the three major drug distributors accused of fueling the opioid epidemic, have crossed the finish line.

As she went through a timeline of state and federal regulatory decisions, an attorney for giant drug distributor Cardinal Health told a federal judge that the huge numbers of opioid painkillers shipped to Cabell County were never “unreasonable.”

"It's the unknown that people are afraid of," said Council Member Sharon Kuhl. In an 8-1 vote Tuesday evening, the council banned any new addiction treatment centers and recovery homes from opening in the city for about a year.

A new group of winners in the state's COVID-19 vaccination sweepstakes was announced by the office of Gov. Jim Justice. The top prize winner was a retired health care worker from Ronceverte, Wanda Coleman.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending that everyone who lives in areas with high caseloads of the coronavirus, including the vaccinated, wear masks when they are in indoor public spaces.

Health reporter June Leffler spoke to Hairston about his disease and current organizing efforts.

The West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy released a report on just how many people use Medicaid in the state, and what budget issues the program may face down the road.