In addition to being American Heart Month and Gum Disease Awareness Month, February is also National School-Based Health Care Awareness Month. Considering we have five school-based health centers (SBHCs) located across four counties, Ritchie Regional would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of these facilities. 

Besides providing clinical services to the community, our SBHCs can support teachers, students, and staff. SBHCs transform children’s access to and delivery of comprehensive health services. Every child needs healthcare to thrive and SBHCs can help them get there!

Our SBHCs offer same-day appointments with minimal wait times to students and faculty regardless of insurance status. Having a SBHC means fewer absences because students have access to healthcare without having to leave school.

For more information about these campuses click here.

In recognition of Gum Disease Awareness and National Children’s Dental Health Month, Ritchie Regional Health Center would like to highlight our Dental Department. Dental hygiene is important to one’s oral health to help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. What most people may not realize is, a healthy mouth is ESSENTIAL for a healthy body. Poor oral health can affect areas outside of the mouth, e.g., the heart, diabetes, pregnancy, and chronic inflammation.  
Ritchie Regional’s Registered Dental Hygienist, Sarah Bartley, offers preventative services including new patient exams and x-rays, dental cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments. Along with preventative services, a variety of dental treatments such as fillings, crown and bridge work, extractions, and select root canals, are provided by Dentist, Dr. Holly Haldeman-Collins. In the coming months, they will be able to offer custom nightguards and custom bleach trays, when deemed necessary. 
All services and treatments listed above are offered in West Union, at two of our seven locations. The Dental Team is located at our West Union Campus Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., however, Thursdays 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., they see patients at our Doddridge County School-Based Wellness Center. Ritchie Regional accepts all dental insurances including West Virginia Medicaid and CHIP. The Sliding Fee Program is also offered to uninsured or underinsured patients, which provides services at a discounted rate. For more information, please call 304-873-1401 ext. 201.