By Sarah Marino | Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The state of West Virginia operates four long-term health care facilities including the John Manchin Sr. Healthcare Center in Marion County.
Legislation is being introduced to close these facilities arguing that the cost of upkeep and payroll is unsustainable. House Bill 2626 states that patients and staff can not be guaranteed safety in the facilities.
If they were to close, operation would discontinue Jan. 1, 2022. State employees would be given the option to take another position in state government or receive a severance package of their current salary and benefits for a year. Residents have the choice to transfer to another long-term care facility of their choosing.
However, Marion County representatives are not on board with the closure of the facility in Marion County. Del. Guy Ward, R-Marion, said he’s working with Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, and Del. Phil Mallow, R-Marion, to save the facility. Ward said the other facilities listed in the bill are in disrepair and are estimated to cost a lot of money to repair and the government doesn’t have the money to put into them…
