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BLUEFIELD (WVVA) - Federal authorities are hoping you can help them catch a suspect wanted on a federal warrant for distribution of oxycodine. 37-year old Kathy Ann Burchett of McDowell County was chargedMore >> BLUEFIELD (WVVA) - Federal authorities are hoping you can help them catch a suspect wanted on a federal warrant for distribution of oxycodine. 37-year old Kathy Ann Burchett of McDowell County was chargedMore >> LANARK (WVVA) -- The Raleigh County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that occurred in the Lanark area of Raleigh County early Sunday morning. One person was shot and airlifted to a CharlestonMore >> LANARK (WVVA) -- The Raleigh County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that occurred in the Lanark area of Raleigh County early Sunday morning. One person was shot and airlifted to a CharlestonMore >> BECKLEY (WVVA) - A teacher at a Raleigh County school has been terminated amid allegations that she sent inappropriate text messages to a male student. Lori Lester -- a teacher at Trap Hill Middle SchoolMore >> BECKLEY (WVVA) - A teacher at a Raleigh County school has been terminated amid allegations that she sent inappropriate text messages to a male student. Lori Lester -- a teacher at Trap Hill Middle SchoolMore >> CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A film that has worried one southern West Virginia community for months will be available to the public through DVD sales and rental downloads July 1. The Charleston Daily MailMore >> CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A film that has worried one southern West Virginia community for months will be available to the public through DVD sales and rental downloads July 1. The Charleston Daily MailMore >> BRUSHFORK (WVVA) - Five people -- including at least one child -- were injured after a two-car collision at the Route 52-Airport Road intersection in Bluewell Monday morning. The crash occurred aroundMore >> BRUSHFORK (WVVA) - Five people -- including at least one child -- were injured after a two-car collision at the Route 52-Airport Road intersection in Bluewell Monday morning. The crash occurred aroundMore >> ASSOCIATED PRESS-- Small-business owners in the coalfields of Appalachia are complaining about debts owed to them by a West Virginia billionaire who owns dozens of mines. Some of the businesses have filedMore >> ASSOCIATED PRESS-- Small-business owners in the coalfields of Appalachia are complaining about debts owed to them by a West Virginia billionaire who owns dozens of mines. Some of the businesses have filedMore >> PRINCETON (WVVA) -- Grease, Woodstock, and TV variety series stars hit the stage at the Chuck Mathena Center Saturday. Sha na na, the nostalgic rock and roll greasers played the second to the last actMore >> PRINCETON (WVVA) -- Grease, Woodstock, and TV variety series stars hit the stage at the Chuck Mathena Center Saturday. Sha na na, the nostalgic rock and roll greasers played the second to the last actMore >> GREENBRIER COUNTY (WVVA) -- The Greenbrier Sheriff's Department is investigating a drowning at Blue Bend. Lieutenant White with the Sheriff's Department says members of the Greenbrier dive team foundMore >> GREENBRIER COUNTY (WVVA) -- The Greenbrier Sheriff's Department is investigating a drowning at Blue Bend. Lieutenant White with the Sheriff's Department says members of the Greenbrier dive team foundMore >> LEWISBURG, W. Va (WVVA)-- Driving through Lewisburg, you may see something new.It's a flagpole, erected The Seasons nursing home on Flag Day to honor the veterans there as well as those in the community,More >> LEWISBURG, W. Va (WVVA)-- Driving through Lewisburg, you may see something new.It's a flagpole, erected The Seasons nursing home on Flag Day to honor the veterans there as well as those in the community,More >> FAIRLEA, W. Va (WVVA)-- It could be even more expensive to pay for college starting next month.Government subsidized student loan interest rates are set to double come July 1st, and for local studentsMore >> FAIRLEA, W. Va (WVVA)-- It could be even more expensive to pay for college starting next month.Government subsidized student loan interest rates are set to double come July 1st, and for local studentsMore >>
BECKLEY (WVVA) -- West Virginia is ranked 49th nationwide in education, but legislators say this is part of a bigger issue in the state -- child poverty.
Legislators say even though a child may be attending school physically, with daunting issues at home, they might not be there mentally.
They attribute this to toxic stress, or fear of basic survival. Health care professionals say this is a growing concern.
"When you bring children into school, they may attend class, but really getting them involved in that takes all of us," says Candace Hurd, Director of Nursing at Beckley Health Dept. "If students aren't as healthy, don't feel as well, whether it's diet, education, medical care... It's a little more difficult taking in that education being provided."
Legislators will be holding their first meeting addressing concerns of children and poverty Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at the old Oak Hill elementary school. Another meeting will be held next week in Beckley at the Commission on Aging.
