West Virginia Press Association
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia hospitals provide more than $1 billion in community support to the Mountain State and generate $16.9 billion in positive economic activity across the state, according to a newly released Report from the West Virginia Hospital Association (WVHA).
Community benefits are health-focused programs that address specific local needs by providing medical care and promoting wellness, making health care more accessible and improving the health of the entire community.
“The blue hospital signs along our highways represent far more than emergency care,” said WVHA President and CEO Jim Kaufman. “West Virginia hospitals have become community health hubs, addressing everything from addiction recovery to workforce development. Whether it’s caring for babies born with substance exposure, teaching diabetes prevention, delivering primary care in underserved areas, or partnering with missions to help people re-enter the workforce, these institutions are investing in our communities’ long-term health and prosperity.”
The new Report demonstrates how West Virginia hospitals are serving as community health leaders, extending essential services directly into neighborhoods and towns, while simultaneously serving as major economic drivers across the state.
The report highlights several key areas of impact:
- $92 million in community programs and education – investments in community health initiatives like diabetes education and health affairs, along with providing a setting for health professions training and certification programs;
- $182 million in uncompensated care – services provided to patients who were unable or unwilling to pay for services; and
- $655 million in Medicare and Medicaid shortfalls – government payments that fall below the actual cost of providing services, creating financial gaps for hospitals
“These numbers tell a powerful story of West Virginia hospitals’ unwavering commitment to their communities,” said Kaufman. “Even as our hospitals invest nearly $100 million in community programs and absorb hundreds of millions in uncompensated care and government underfunding, they continue to serve as both health care providers and economic anchors. Although anticipated federal Medicaid cuts add complexity to our operating environment, we’re actively engaging with policymakers to develop sustainable solutions that provide the funding and regulatory stability essential for delivering care to all patients across our communities.”
The Report also highlights that West Virginia hospitals directly employ 54,000 people, accounting for $4.29 billion in wages and benefits, and indirectly support another 46,800 additional skilled jobs in the state. West Virginia hospitals make these abundant contributions while also overseeing 880,000 emergency department visits, accepting more than 330,000 inpatient stays, 6.9 million outpatient visits, and delivering more than 16,000 babies.
Kaufman added, what makes this Report particularly valuable is its focus on actual community benefit initiatives happening in neighborhoods across the state, along with clear documentation of how the 340B Program directly supports the ability to serve vulnerable populations.
“The 340B Program in particular is a lifeline that helps our hospitals care for West Virginia families by expanding services —whether they’re seniors on Medicare, working families on Medicaid, or neighbors who simply can’t afford insurance,” said Kaufman. “That’s exactly what this program was designed to do. We’re honored to show how these resources help us bring essential health services directly to the communities we call home, making our neighborhoods healthier and stronger.”
Kaufman said this Report illustrates how West Virginia hospitals serve as true community partners, addressing not just illness but the underlying challenges that affect health—medication costs, food access, and housing stability. Kaufman added, “these comprehensive efforts demonstrate the state’s hospitals’ deep commitment to West Virginia families. We’re excited to showcase the remarkable work being done to strengthen communities from the ground up.”
About WVHA: The West Virginia Hospital Association (WVHA) is a not-for-profit statewide organization representing hospitals and health systems across the continuum of care. The mission of the WVHA is to support its members in achieving a strong, healthy West Virginia. Connect with WVHA through Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Learn more about WVHA at wvha.org.
