We’re incredibly excited to announce a vital community event, and we hope you’ll join us in making it a resounding success. IHCWV is partnering with the American Red Cross to host our first-ever blood drive! We’ll be at The Harrisville Gym on April 21, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Why is this important? Blood donations are crucial for saving lives. Hospitals rely on a steady supply of blood for surgeries, accident victims, cancer patients, and those with chronic illnesses. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. And right here in our own community, that need is just as real.

What to Expect:

• Location: The Harrisville Gym | 950 Helen Street, Harrisville, WV
• Date: April 21, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Partners: IHCWV and The American Red Cross
• A warm, welcoming environment: Our team and the Red Cross will be there to make you comfortable and answer any questions.
• Snacks and refreshments: We’ll have treats available to help you replenish after donating.
• The satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference: Your single donation can save up to three lives!

Who Can Donate?
Generally, most healthy adults who are at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent in some states) and weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. The American Red Cross has specific eligibility requirements, which you can find on their website (redcrossblood.org) or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Want to schedule a time to donate?
While scheduling a time to donate isn't required, we highly encourage you to do so to ensure a more smooth and efficient process. To make an appointment, visit The Red Cross website.

Why The Harrisville Gym?
We chose The Harrisville Gym because it is a central location in Ritchie County, and offers ample space for our donors. We want this event to be as easy and accessible as possible for the community.

Become a Hero!
We believe that together, we can make a significant impact. By participating in this blood drive, you’ll be directly contributing to the health and well-being of our community and beyond.

Please share this information with your friends, family, and neighbors. Let’s fill The Gym Harrisville with Heroes! As always, thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you on April 21!

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to talk about a disease that affects thousands of lives each year. At IHCWV, we're committed to the health and well-being of our community, and that includes raising awareness about colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection.

Why is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Important?
Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, it's also one of the most preventable cancers. Regular screening allows precancerous polyps to be found and removed before they become cancerous. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Who is at Risk?
Several factors can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer:

• Age: The risk increases significantly after age 45.
• Family History: A history of colorectal cancer or polyps in your family increases your risk.
• Lifestyle Factors: A diet high in red and processed meats, low in fiber, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to increased risk.
• Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and type 2 diabetes, can increase risk.
• Race: African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the United States.   
  

What are the Symptoms?
Unfortunately, colorectal cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages. That's why screening is so important. However, some symptoms to be aware of include:

• Changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool.
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain.
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.   
• Weakness or fatigue.
• Unexplained weight loss.   

Screening: Your Best Defense
Regular screening is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer. Common screening tests include:

• Colonoscopy: A long, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum to examine the entire colon.
• Stool Tests: These tests look for blood or DNA in the stool, which can indicate the presence of polyps or cancer.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A shorter, flexible tube is used to examine the lower part of the colon.
• CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): Uses X-rays and computers to create images of the colon and rectum.

How We Can Help
At IHCWV, we understand that navigating healthcare can be challenging. That's why we're here to support you every step of the way. We can:

• Provide information about colorectal cancer and the importance of screening.
• Help you understand the different screening options available.
• We can refer you to qualified gastroenterologists for colonoscopies and other screening procedures.
• Assist with navigating insurance and financial assistance programs.
• Answer any questions you may have about colorectal cancer and your health.

Take Action Today!
Don't wait until it's too late. Talk to your healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening. If you're due for a screening or have any concerns, contact us today. We're here to help you take control of your health.

Let's work together to raise awareness and fight colorectal cancer!

IHCWV has partnered with Iris to offer a Health Care Planning program at NO COST to you. All you need is a referral from one of our providers and Iris will contact you to schedule a planning appointment.

What is Health Care Planning?
Health care planning, also known as advance care planning (ACP) is an ongoing process that supports individuals and their family individuals in understanding, and sharing their values, goals and preferences for future medical care.

These care decisions are then formally documented within an advance directive (AD), a legal document that ensures one’s care wishes are followed.

With Iris, the comprehensive healthcare planning process is led by a skilled healthcare facilitator who helps you:

• Understand your future medical care options.
• Identify the options that are in line with your hopes and wishes.
• Discuss your choices and preferences with your loved ones and care team.
• Write a plan that meets your needs, goals and values.
• Do all of this without having to leave your home by phone or video conference.

What are the benefits of Health Care Planning?

• Reduce Family Burden
• Express Goals and Preferences 
• Make Important Decisions

Expert Guidance to Create Your Plan
Iris' skilled and licensed health care health care planning experts can help you consider and answer questions that shape the quality and kind of care you receive. They will help you answer questions such as:

• What does living well mean to you?
• Will your health care choices help you reach your goals for living well?
• What would you want your doctors to do?
• Does your family know your health care goals and how to help you achieve them?

Iris' health care planning experts provide you and your family with in-depth conversations with a high level of detail, personalization and education to create a tailored health care plan that reflects your individual goals and preferences for future care. To learn about Iris, visit their website: irishealthcare.com.

To get a NO COST referral, or, if you have questions, call 304-643-4005. 

At Integrated Health Centers of WV, every day is a testament to our incredible team's dedication, compassion, and excellence. Today, on Employee Appreciation Day, we take a moment to spotlight the true heroes who make our mission of providing affordable, compassionate, and excellent care close to home, a reality.

A Heartfelt Thank You
Thank you to our providers, nurses, receptionists, administrative staff, and support personnel. Your unwavering commitment to our patients and community is the heartbeat of our centers. Each day, you bring your expertise, empathy, and kindness, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors feels valued and cared for.

Excellence in Action
Our mission to provide excellent care is brought to life by our team's relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether through continuous learning, innovative solutions, or simply the extra effort they put into their work, they embody the highest standards of healthcare. Their professionalism and skill are the pillars upon which our center stands.

A Community United
IHCWV is more than just a place of work; it is a community—a community united by a shared purpose and a collective spirit of service. On this Employee Appreciation Day, we celebrate not just one individual's contributions but the strength and unity that we achieve together. It is this sense of togetherness that empowers us to overcome challenges and make a lasting impact on the lives we touch.

Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we are filled with hope and optimism, knowing that we have such an extraordinary team. Their dedication and passion are the driving forces that will continue to propel us forward, enabling us to reach new heights in our mission.

In Gratitude
Today, and every day, we are profoundly grateful for each one of our employees. Their hard work, compassion, and excellence are the foundation of our success. Together, we will continue to provide the affordable, compassionate, and excellent care that our community deserves.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day!