West Virginia Week in Review - December 14, 2024

West Virginia Week in Review

​ ​ Share Tweet Forward Gov. Justice announces $40 million in Rural Hospital Grant funding, celebrates at Boone Memorial Hospital WATCH EVENT | VIEW PHOTO ALBUM Gov. Justice announced the distribution of $40 million in Rural Hospital Grant funding during a ceremony held at Boone Memorial Hospital.  The program, which launched in October following the appropriation of funds by the West Virginia Legislature during the most recent special session, will improve healthcare infrastructure and services at rural hospitals across West Virginia. View awarded Rural Hospital Grant funding “Our rural hospitals are truly the lifeblood of our state,” Gov. Justice said. “So many of us depend on the care, compassion, and love you all provide to our neighbors, friends, and families. You don’t just show up for work—you answer the call daily. With these funds, we’re putting a stake in the ground and saying we stand with our rural hospitals. While we’re at Boone Memorial for this ceremony, today we celebrate every rural hospital across West Virginia. We’re so thankful for the doctors, nurses, and staff who show up and care for us every day. You all are the center of everything we do. Congratulations to all of our recipients—you’ve earned every bit of it.”  Facebook Read More X First Lady Justice welcomes Bo to Buffalo Elementary School, state’s 44th therapy dog through Friends With Paws program First Lady Cathy Justice visited Buffalo Elementary School for an assembly to celebrate the arrival of the state’s newest therapy dog through the Friends With Paws program. The dog introduced is a male Golden Retriever named Bo. As of today, a total of 44 Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been placed throughout the state. List of FWP therapy dogs placed in West Virginia schools "Welcoming Bo to Buffalo Elementary School is another exciting step toward completing our vision for the Friends With Paws program," First Lady Justice said. "These incredible therapy dogs have already touched the lives of so many students and staff across West Virginia, providing comfort, support, and joy in our schools. With Bo's arrival, we are reminded of the power of kindness and the importance of creating safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. It's bittersweet to see this program nearing completion and heartwarming to witness its lasting impact in communities like Buffalo." Read More Photo Album First Lady Cathy Justice attends annual West Virginia Leaders of Education Conference First Lady Cathy Justice joined school administrators, superintendents, and educational leaders from across the state at the 2024 West Virginia Leaders of Education Conference. Hosted by the West Virginia K-12 Principals Association (WVPA), this highly anticipated annual event brings together professionals dedicated to preserving and advancing public education. First Lady Justice spoke on the first day of the conference, where she provided an update on Communities In Schools (CIS), her flagship education initiative. CIS West Virginia aims to provide students in need with essential resources and support to help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom. “This conference is a wonderful opportunity for our state’s educational leaders to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions to ensure the best outcomes for our students,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “I am honored to share the progress we’ve made with Communities In Schools and how it continues to make a difference in the lives of West Virginia’s children. I look forward to working alongside these amazing educators for years to come.” Read More Photo Album Also this week:  Mobile ID pilot program launched; public launch expected by end of year WV Dept. of Ed. Welcomes Students for a Day of Coding at the State Capitol West Virginia Department of Human Services Hosts First ‘Leaders Thrive’ Graduation ###