‘Making Health Happen’ gives health care services to Southern West Virginians

WAR, W.Va. (WVVA) - This is the fourth “Making Health Happen” event to happen in Southern West Virginia. This region is no stranger to health issues according to the people organizing this health outreach initiative. They say the lack of health care facilities in Southern West Virginia is a big factor in the health issues plaguing the region.

“We have hard access to care in Southern West Virginia. We do have wonderful health providers but our terrain is just really not that good and accessing them becomes an issue at times for some people living in Southern West Virginia.” said Executive Director of South Central Educational Development, Darryl Cannady.

The first fifty people here who chose to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or the flu received 25 dollar Walmart gift cards and a basket of hygiene products.

“It’s very important that people take care of themselves. Especially here lately, there’s just so much going on and we wanted to bring resources to them so that they can have access to vaccinations, access to getting their blood pressure checked and just get information that will help them be healthier.” said Parent Partner of WV Birth to Three, Tammy Fleshman.

Some of the attendees here share their gratitude for this health fair, saying they feel McDowell County is not a priority to people in positions of power.

“Nobody remembers McDowell county. It’s just nobody cares. From Senator Manchin back, nobody cares what goes on here, we don’t have a retail store. That we’re losing our doctors and stuff, nobody cares.” said Bartley resident, Marlene Blankenship.

Organizers say they’re planning to have more events like this in the future until they can see changes to healthcare outlets in Southern West Virginia.

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