Dr. Zack Henderson recently joined Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV), formerly Ritchie Regional, to provide primary care services to patients of all ages at IHCWV West Union Campus.

Dr. Henderson graduated from Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, WV. He then attended West Virginia University, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree before heading to Lewisburg, WV, to attend the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He moved north to Pennsylvania to complete his family medicine residency training and is now ready to return home and start serving patients in West Virginia.

Dr. Henderson is a licensed physician with training in family medicine. His training allows him to provide full-spectrum healthcare to all patients, including preventive healthcare (cancer screenings, chronic disease prevention), chronic disease management, women’s healthcare, depression and anxiety management, healthy lifestyle and weight management, physical exams including pre-employment, sports, and pre-op, minor office procedures (such as skin biopsies and joint injections), annual wellness exams, and DOT medical exams.

Dr. Henderson sees patients at the IHCWV West Union Campus. To make an appointment, please call 304-873-1401 or text 304-643-4005. As a reminder, IHCWV accepts all insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, and offers services on an income-based Sliding Fee Scale to qualified uninsured or underinsured individuals.

It’s hard to believe that summer 2024 is almost over, and the kiddos are returning to school. We know all too well how challenging it can be to remember WV public school requirements, especially when you have multiple children! 

Fear not! We have you covered! Keep reading to learn more and be prepared for the 2024-2025 school year. 


Physicals
School physicals are required for students entering preschool, kindergarten, or 2nd grade. A sports physical will satisfy the ‘school physical’ requirement. To fill out a sports physical form online, click here. Filling out the online form does not mean an appointment has been scheduled. You may also request a paper copy.

Immunizations
WV state law requires all children entering school for the first time in grades K-12 to show proof of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B unless properly medically exempted. The meningococcal vaccine is required for 7th and 12th graders.

Contact us first to confirm the necessity of your child's immunization(s). To fill out the consent form online, click here. Filling out the online form does not mean an appointment has been scheduled. You may also request a paper copy.

To learn more about immunization requirements in WV, visit our webpage Immunizations Information. 

Dental Exams
Although it is recommended that your child receive dental cleanings every six months, dental exams are required for students entering preschool, kindergarten, 2nd, 7th, or 12th grade. Our dental team provides services at our two West Union campuses.

School-Based Health Centers
Six of our eight campuses are located on school grounds. If your child attends one of the following schools, they can receive quality healthcare without leaving school—all we need is your consent, and we’ll take care of the rest.

• Ritchie County Middle/High School 
• Smithville Elementary 
• St. Marys High School 
• Doddridge County Elementary School 
• Doddridge County Middle School 
• Doddridge County High School 
• Jefferson Elementary School 
• Parkersburg South High School 

We accept all insurance plans and offer the Sliding Fee Scale to uninsured or underinsured individuals. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

We’re Here for You and Your Child
Remember, your local community health center is here to offer support and help keep your child healthy! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2024/2025 school year!

Every August, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) sponsors National Health Center Week (NHCW) to celebrate and increase awareness of America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers (CHCs). National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually.

This year we will once again kick off the celebration early with our annual race:
Saturday, 8/3: 5K Walk/Run Stepping on Hunger – All proceeds and donated nonperishable food items will go to local families in need.

Wednesday, 8/7: Patient Appreciation Day – To show our appreciation to our patients, we will be having giveaways at each of our locations! If you’ve been our patient at any time from January 2, 2024, to August 7, 2024, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win!

Friday, 8/9: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day – On this day and every day, we recognize and thank our outstanding employees who are committed to providing exceptional care to the communities we serve. Because of their compassion and dedication, we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary in September.

Saturday, 8/10: Children’s Health Day – Stop by any of our eight locations during National Health Center Week. We’ll be handing out “Practicing Healthy Habits” coloring books to the kiddos and providing back-to-school information to parents.
#NHCW #nhcw24 #CommunityHealthCenter

We're changing our name to Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV).

Why are we changing our name?
Although we take tremendous pride in our origins, people often assume we only serve Ritchie County, WV,  when, in fact, we also have locations in Doddridge, Pleasants, and Wood County. As we approach our upcoming 30th anniversary, we thought this to be the perfect opportunity to change our name to better reflect who we are, what we do, and where we're located.

How did we develop the name 'Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia' (IHCWV)?
We want everyone to know that our medical, dental, and behavioral health services are integrated to provide holistic care for the body, teeth, and mind. Moreover, we are deeply integrated within the local schools and communities we serve in West Virginia, with six of our eight campuses on school grounds supporting students, faculty, as well as the surrounding communities. 

Are there other changes?
Our commitment to providing affordable, compassionate, and excellent care close to home remains unwavering. While we're unveiling a new name and logo our mission, values, vision, and our beloved mascot, Ritchie, will remain vital to our identity. 

Was Ritchie Regional Health Center purchased by another company or healthcare facility? 
We understand that you may have questions about this transition, and we want to assure you that we have not been acquired by another company or healthcare facility. Our exceptional staff remains dedicated to providing the outstanding care you know and love. We remain a federally qualified health center, governed by a board of patients and community members, committed to surpassing your healthcare needs.

What if I have questions or concerns?
We always love hearing from you, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback. Your input matters to us, and we're more than happy to address any concerns you may have.

​As we move forward, remember that we are here for you, your family, your friends, and your community. Our dedication to providing exceptional care remains steadfast. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest updates! Cheers to a new chapter!

✨🎉We are thrilled to announce that after nearly three decades of providing compassionate and excellent care, Ritchie Regional Health Center is evolving to better reflect who we are and what we do.

In honor of our upcoming 30th anniversary, we are excited to reintroduce ourselves as Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV)! With eight campuses across North Central West Virginia, including six integrated with local schools, we remain committed to offering affordable and comprehensive healthcare to our students, school staff, and the surrounding communities.

Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter together. For updates, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

It's Men's Health Month: Take Charge of Your Well-Being!
June is National Men's Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about men's specific health issues and encouraging them to prioritize their well-being.

Why is Men's Health Month Important?
The statistics are concerning: men tend to die younger than women and are less likely to visit doctors for preventive care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. Men's Health Month aims to change that narrative.

What Can Men Do to Take Charge of Their Health?
Here are some key actions men can take to stay healthy:

• Schedule Regular Checkups: Don't wait until there's a problem to see a doctor. Annual checkups are crucial for early detection of potential health issues.
• Focus on Preventative Care: This includes screenings for common health concerns like prostate cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep are essential for overall health.
• Prioritize Mental Health: Men are less likely to seek help for mental health concerns. Talking to a therapist or counselor can be incredibly beneficial.
• Build Healthy Habits: Develop routines that promote well-being, such as managing stress, reducing alcohol intake, and not smoking.

Let's Break the Stigma
Traditionally, there's been a social stigma associated with men talking about their health. This Men's Health Month, let's break that barrier.  Encourage open conversation about health concerns and prioritize self-care.

Men's health is important not just for men, but for families and communities as a whole.  This Men's Health Month, let's commit to taking care of ourselves and each other. Let's champion healthy habits and open communication for a stronger, healthier future.

Be Entered For a Chance to Win
This month, Ritchie Regional is encouraging men to take charge of their health and schedule an appointment with us. Male patients 18 years old or over who have an appointment at ANY of our eight locations (telehealth included) during June will be entered to win our Men's Health Month Giveaway. The winner will be announced in the first week of July. 

We wanted to notify our patients that they may receive a phone call from one of our partners, Aledade. Please rest assured that their call is legitimate and NOT A SCAM.

Aledade is our Accountable Care Organization (ACO). Their job is to ensure we meet quality standards for our patients, especially our Medicare population. They help us with medication adherence and call our patients when they are late picking up medications to assess any barriers that the patient may be experiencing.

If you do receive a call from Aledade on our behalf, please cooperate and answer their questions.

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

As May comes to an end, we'd like to reiterate the importance of mental health. Just like physical health, mental health is crucial at every stage of life. From navigating the social complexities of childhood to managing the demands of adulthood, good mental health is the foundation for a fulfilling life.

Mental health. It's a term we hear a lot these days, but what does it really mean?  Simply put, mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It shapes how we handle stress, connect with others, and make choices.

Here's why prioritizing your mental health is more important than ever:

• Overall well-being: Mental health isn't separate from physical health. They are interconnected. When we're mentally well, we're better equipped to take care of our physical health and vice versa.
• Stronger relationships: Good mental health allows us to build and maintain healthy relationships. It fosters empathy, communication, and emotional connection.
• Increased productivity: Mental health struggles can significantly impact our ability to focus, manage stress, and complete tasks. Taking care of your mental well-being can boost your productivity and work performance.
• Improved coping skills: Life throws us curveballs. With good mental health, we develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress, adversity, and challenges.

So how can you prioritize your mental health?
The good news is there are many things you can do to nurture your mental well-being. Here are a few tips:

• Stay connected: Social connection is vital for mental health. Build strong relationships with friends and family, and don't be afraid to reach out for support when you need it.
• Move your body: Exercise is a powerful mood booster. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Prioritize sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is essential for mental and physical health. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
• Seek professional help: Don't be afraid to seek professional help if you're struggling. Ritchie Regional has many resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups such as SMART Recovery.

Remember, mental health is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs. But by making mental health a priority, you're investing in your overall well-being and paving the way for a more fulfilling life.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we sat down with RRHC Director of Behavioral Health Jasen R. Nichols to highlight the behavioral health services Ritchie Regional offers and learn what this work means to him.

To make an appointment, call 304-643-4005.
#RRHC #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMonth #mentalhealthmatters

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the importance of mental well-being and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

This blog post is for anyone who:

• Wants to learn more about mental health
• Has been struggling with their own mental health
• Knows someone who might be dealing with mental health challenges

Why is Mental Health Awareness Important?
Mental health conditions are more common than you might think. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, millions of Americans experience mental illness each year.

Despite this prevalence, many people hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment or discrimination. Mental Health Awareness Month is a chance to break down these barriers and create a more open conversation about mental health.

What You Can Do This Month (and Beyond!)
Here are a few ways you can participate in Mental Health Awareness Month:

• Educate yourself: Learn about mental health conditions, symptoms, and treatment options.
• Spread awareness: Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about mental health. Share resources and information on social media using hashtags like #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth or #TakeAMentalHealthMoment.
• Challenge stigma: Speak out against negative stereotypes associated with mental illness.
• Prioritize your own mental health: Make self-care a priority. This could include getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques.
• Seek help if you need it: Don't be afraid to reach out for professional help if you're struggling. Ritchie Regional has many resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups such as SMART Recovery.

Other Resources for Mental Health

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Remember, you're not alone. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Working together can create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.

Let's continue the conversation about mental health by contacting us today!