Community Healthcare: Tips for a Successful and Healthy Start to the Back-to-School Season8/19/2026  Happy August! Back-to-school season is in full swing and we know that it can be challenging for parents whether it’s packing a healthy lunch every day or simply getting your school ducks in a row! Integrated Health Centers of WV is here to help and we have a few tips to help you lead with a healthy start.
Schedule Check-Ups & Physicals at Your Local School Clinic All six of our school locations are open and we are accepting all patients including parents, students, and community members! We’ve got you covered no matter the reason behind the visit from yearly check-ups to sports physicals. See our full list of locations for accurate clinic hours and give us a call to schedule your next appointment. Back-to-School Packets As you schedule check-ups and physicals, don’t forget to fill out the back-to-school health packets. Filling out these packets ensures that your kids can receive the best quality care at their local office. We accept most insurance plans and offer the Sliding Fee Discount Scale to uninsured or underinsured individuals. If you have questions about school-related appointments, insurance, or our Sliding Fee Discount Scale please give your local location a call today. Visit Local Farmers’ Markets If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity for the family and a break from homework, visit your local farmers’ market! Farmers’ markets are an excellent resource for local produce that goes beyond fresh vegetables. Many market vendors also provide fresh eggs, meat, and baked goods. Look up farmers’ markets near your area or join your community Facebook page to inquire locally. You can also use the search engine Farmers Markets By County to look up what’s available nearby. Need Help Saving A Few Dollars? Meal Prep On A Budget! Meal prepping is an excellent way to help your kids stay on top of their nutrition and it’s a quick, convenient method for easy lunches. Not only is meal prepping efficient, but it’s budget friendly. By setting aside time to prepare a grain, protein, vegetable, and fruit option, you simultaneously achieve all major food groups in one meal. Grains like rice and pasta along with frozen vegetables come with a longer shelf life, making it easy for food preppers to get more value out of their grocery expenses. There’s plenty of meal prep recipes available online that are both delicious, nutritious, and perfect for school lunches. If you need help starting, check out this website that breaks down pricing and recipes! One of our favorites is the smoky chicken and cinnamon roasted sweet potato recipe. Yum! Plan Before Your Grocery Trip Pre-planning a grocery trip is the best way to save time and cut costs as the busy school season kicks off. Start by taking a quick inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. By taking inventory, you reduce the chances of buying extra on accident. Once you have an idea of what you already have, make a menu for the rest of your week with cookbooks or online recipes. Now that you have your inventory and list, make sure to eat a snack before your grocery trip to reduce impulse purchases. A good rule of thumb is to stick to your list and avoid the prepackaged and processed foods. Healthy choices pay off in the long run for both you and your kids.
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Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia is proud to announce that we have received three Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges for the 2025 Uniform Data System reporting year.
These badges recognize community health centers that demonstrate notable achievements in quality improvement and patient care, and have been awarded to nearly 1,000 health centers nationwide. IHCWV received significant honor in three categories:
This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and our shared commitment to providing accessible, patient-centered health care. Every day, our staff works to help patients feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to lead healthier lives. We extend a special thank-you to our nurses, providers, and support staff whose dedication and hard work made these achievements possible. Most importantly, we thank our patients and community partners for placing their trust in us. It is a privilege to care for the communities we call home, and we look forward to continuing this work together! By: Mary Spencer When was the last time a trip to the doctor left you excited about fresh vegetables? For more than 50 families in Ritchie and Doddridge counties, that’s exactly what happened in 2025. Through our FARMacy WV “Prescription for Produce” Program, participants were able to access fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, free kitchen tools with demonstrations, and the know-how to cook simple, nourishing meals their families can enjoy. The program has proven that a simple box of fresh produce can be the start of real healing. Real People, Real Results The Prescription for Produce Program is a 15-week “food as medicine” initiative for patients living with diet-related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol. Instead of adding more medication, Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia providers prescribe weekly boxes of fresh produce along with nutrition education and cooking support. The results speak for themselves: After participating in the program, more families cooked dinner at home, and more people filled their plates with colorful salads and dark greens. Many participants experienced measurable improvements in their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight, demonstrating the significant impact of healthy food on long-term health conditions. Real, measurable impact:
Our favorite part? More than 75% of participants said they’d do it again, and 80% said they would recommend it to family and friends.
Growing Health in Rural West Virginia FARMacy WV first began serving Ritchie County residents in 2021 and has grown to include the Doddridge County community, as well. The program focuses on patients who are food-insecure and insured through Medicare. Many of the participants are retired adults living on limited incomes and struggle to keep up with the rising cost of fresh produce. IHCWV partnered with local markets such as Lakeview Market in Ritchie County and Route 18 Market in Doddridge County to supply the fruits and vegetables. The strategic partnerships ensure that donor dollars stay close to home and support our regional food economy. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, every step of the way. We Need Your Help! This is where our community comes in: the original grant that launched FARMacy WV at IHCWV has come to an end. We need continued funding to keep the program going into the 2026 season. With limited funding, we hope to welcome at least 20 participants into the upcoming program, set to begin June 1, 2026. However, we need help raising the funds to support the program. A gift of $600 sponsors a full season for one participant. We have several giving levels available to accommodate all budgets. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps sustain the weekly produce boxes, education sessions, and supportive community that make FARMacy so effective. If you are a local business owner, church leader, farmer, or community member, your partnership can keep healthy food within reach for families across Ritchie, Doddridge, Pleasants, and Wood Counties. To learn more about sponsorship levels, make a donation, or explore volunteer and partnership opportunities, visit the IHCWV FARMacy donation page or contact IHCWV. Together, this community can ensure that rural West Virginia families do not just have food, but they have the kind of nourishment that heals, connects, and lasts. About Mary Spencer: Mary Spencer, RN, is a Chronic Care and Clinical Data Coordinator with Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia and has been a dedicated member of the organization for more than 30 years. In addition to coordinating special initiatives, Mary plays a key role in supporting clinical quality, accurate documentation, and regulatory compliance across the organization. Passionate about lifelong learning and community-based care, she takes pride in helping patients manage chronic conditions through education, compassion, and a commitment to high-quality primary care. PARKERSBURG, WV—Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV) is excited to announce that Rachel Heasley, APRN, has joined our team as a family nurse practitioner. With a passion for providing excellent primary healthcare and a commitment to making a positive impact, Rachel will see new patients of all ages at our Parkersburg South Campus, located behind Parkersburg South High School. In addition to serving the public, PSHS students can be seen during school hours with parental or legal guardian consent. A native of St. Marys, West Virginia, Rachel's journey in healthcare began in 2003 when she discovered her passion for nursing at the Wood County School of Practical Nursing. After 17 fulfilling years as a licensed practical nurse, she continued her education at the University of Charleston, where she earned an associate’s degree in 2020, a bachelor’s in 2021, and her master’s degree in 2025. Rachel brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to her new role at IHCWV. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with her patients and helping them achieve their health goals. IHCWV accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. We also offer a Sliding Fee Discount Program for uninsured or underinsured individuals to ensure everyone has access to the care they need. To schedule an appointment with Rachel Heasley, APRN, please call 304-699-0809.   IHCWV is proud to announce our participation in "Save a Life Day 2025," a nationwide initiative dedicated to combating the overdose crisis and equipping individuals with the tools to save lives. On September 25, 2025, communities across the nation will come together to offer vital resources and training, and we are thrilled to participate in multiple Save a Life Day events, including one right here in Ritchie County!
The Ritchie County "Save a Life Day" event will take place at the Harrisville Town Park from 10 AM to 2 PM. We invite everyone to join us for this incredibly important day. What is "Save a Life Day" all about? What started as a pilot program in WV in 2020, "Save a Life Day," has become a nationwide movement focused on preventing overdose deaths by providing free naloxone (Narcan) kits and comprehensive training on how to recognize and respond to an overdose. The goal is to empower everyone, regardless of medical background, to be a first responder in an overdose situation. Why is this so important? The overdose crisis affects countless families and communities. Understanding how to use naloxone can make the difference between life and death. The event is to:
Naloxone: Not just for individuals struggling with addiction One crucial message we want to emphasize is that naloxone is for everyone and every home. It's a common misconception that naloxone is only relevant to individuals who use illicit drugs. The truth is, accidental overdoses can happen to anyone, including children. Imagine a scenario where a child accidentally gets into the medicine cabinet and ingests opioids. In such a terrifying situation, knowing how to administer naloxone could be life-saving. Naloxone is safe and has no adverse effects if given to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. It's a vital tool to have on hand, just like a first-aid kit. Join us! We strongly encourage you to attend "Save a Life Day 2025" at the Harrisville Town Park. You don't need any prior medical training. Just bring your willingness to learn and your desire to help others. Together, we can make a significant impact in preventing overdose deaths and building a more resilient, compassionate community. Mark your calendars for September 25, 2025, and join IHCWV in making a difference. We look forward to seeing you there! 🎉We are incredibly proud to announce a significant achievement that reflects our collective dedication to providing exceptional patient care. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges to nearly 1,000 health centers nationwide, and our team at Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV) has earned several of these significant honors.
These badges are a testament to IHCWV's commitment to excellence, and we are thrilled to share that we have been recognized with the following four awards: 🏅National Quality Leader – Heart Health: We are one of only eight health centers in West Virginia and one of 222 nationwide to receive this honor for exceeding national benchmarks in a clinical quality area. This badge highlights our success in promoting heart health and delivering top-tier cardiovascular care. 🏅National Quality Leader—Silver Badge: This badge places us among a select group. We are one of only four recipients in West Virginia and one of 147 nationally. This recognition is a powerful acknowledgment of our overall clinical quality and performance. 🏅Advancing HIT for Quality: IHCWV is proud to be one of 14 health centers in West Virginia to receive this badge. This award recognizes our effective use of health information technology (HIT) to improve clinical quality and streamline patient care. 🏅High-Value Care (New National Badge for 2025): We are one of only two health centers in West Virginia and one of 146 health centers nationally to be awarded this new badge, which recognizes our outstanding ability to improve clinical quality while also minimizing costs. This directly reflects our team's efficient and effective approach to healthcare. We're so grateful for our team's hard work and the commitment they show to our patients every day 👏🙌 🤝 We at Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV) were deeply honored and incredibly proud to welcome West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack to our Harrisville Campus on August 13. His visit was a significant occasion, culminating in the signing of a proclamation that declared August 3 through August 9, 2025, as National Health Center Week. It was a privilege to have Treasurer Pack take the time to visit our facility and personally recognize the vital role that community health centers play in the health and well-being of West Virginians. Treasurer Pack signing the proclamation demonstrates the value he and his office place on accessible, affordable healthcare for everyone. National Health Center Week is a time to increase awareness about the comprehensive healthcare services that health centers provide, and their efforts to reach underserved populations, and address health disparities in our communities. Having a state leader sign this proclamation highlights the significance of this week and the ongoing efforts of health centers across West Virginia. Treasurer Pack's presence and commitment to officially recognizing this important week send a strong message to our communities and patients. It affirms health centers’ essential role in America’s healthcare system and underscores the need for continued investment and support. 💙 We sincerely thank Treasurer Pack for his visit, thoughtful words, and steadfast support of health centers. This proclamation marks a significant milestone for us and the thousands of West Virginians who depend on the vital healthcare services health centers provide. We'd also like to thank all the attendees, including three of our board members, Sam Yoho, Christopher Miller, and Steven Smith. And many thanks to Lite Rock 93R, Ritchie Gazette & the Cairo Standard, and WBOY 12News for covering the event. Click HERE to watch the news story.  Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV) was thrilled to celebrate National Health Center Week 2025! The annual event highlights the essential role Community Health Centers (CHCs) play in improving public health and providing Americans with an equal opportunity for health. CHCs represent the nation’s largest primary care network, serving 32.5 million patients nationwide.
This year’s week long celebration, sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), focused on the theme: “America’s Health Centers Celebrating 60 Years of Improving our Nation’s Health.” CHCs across the country joined the celebration through a host of scheduled events that include resource fairs, back-to-school drives, health screenings, and visits to CHCs by local, state, and national leaders. With a mission to make high-quality, affordable care available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status, CHCs save lives and healthcare costs on the front lines of our nation’s most pressing public health challenges. They are powered by a workforce of over 310,000 dedicated professionals who reach beyond the walls of the exam room with effective services that not only prevent illness but also address the factors that may cause it. IHCWV is immensely proud to be a part of such an impactful legacy. As we look forward to celebrating our 31st anniversary this September, we are excited to continue upholding the mission of providing accessible, patient-centered care to the communities we serve.  Mark Your Calendars for the 2025 IHCWV 5K Walk/Run - Stepping on Hunger! Get ready to make a difference in our community! Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV) is excited to announce our 2025 IHCWV 5K Walk/Run - Stepping on Hunger. This event is a fantastic way to get active while directly combating hunger in our surrounding communities. Just like in previous years, all proceeds and collected non-perishable food items will be donated to families in need. Your participation directly supports those facing food insecurity, making a tangible impact right here at home. Event Details The event kicks off bright and early on Saturday, August 2, 2025! Same-day registration begins at 7:00 a.m. in front of the Ritchie County Courthouse (115 E Main St, Harrisville, WV 26362). The race starts promptly at 8:00 a.m., followed by the always-popular and FREE Kids' Fun Run. It's a great day for the whole family to get involved! How to Register Ready to lace up your shoes and step on hunger? Save yourself $5 and guarantee a race shirt by preregistering now! You can register by completing a registration form at any of our nine locations or, by visiting runsignup.com (please note there is a $2.20 online processing fee). To download and print the registration form, click on the the PDF below. Contact Us If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out: Devan Shipe Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia PO Box 373 Harrisville, WV 26362 Phone: 304-699-0725 Fax: 304-643-4177 Email: [email protected] We can't wait to see you there, ready to step on hunger and support our community! 
 Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV) is pleased to announce the addition of a new behavioral health therapist, Jennifer Metz, MSW, LGSW, LSW. Jennifer has a master’s degree in social work (MSW). She is a licensed social worker, holding a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) credential in West Virginia and a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential in Ohio.
With extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, she supports individuals facing challenges related to substance use, mental health, behavioral health, and developmental disabilities. Jennifer is a Certified Trauma Professional and a Certified Autism-Informed Professional, bringing specialized knowledge and a compassionate, client-centered approach to her work. Additionally, she is a proud member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), reflecting her commitment to professional growth and ethical practice. Jennifer provides behavioral health services to clients aged five and older, available either in-person or via telehealth. When school is in session, she visits local schools to conduct therapy sessions with students during school hours, with parental consent. During summer break, she primarily sees patients at our Harrisville Campus. IHCWV accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Uninsured or underinsured individuals may apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program, which offers discounted service rates based on income and household size. If you would like to make an appointment, please call 304-643-4005. To learn more about Jennifer, visit her biography. |
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NoticeIHCWV is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254b, and a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n). It is an FTCA deemed facility, covered by professional liability insurance through our enrollment in Federal Tort Claims Act program.
This health center receives HHS funding and has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals. |
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