All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVU Medicine Children’s named top children’s hospital in West Virginia by U.S. News & World Report

WVU Medicine Children’s received its fourth consecutive title as the top children’s hospital in West Virginia, according to U.S. News & World Report, which also ranked the hospital among the best in the region.

A national ranking was also awarded to the WVU Medicine Children’s Pediatric Urology program.

“It’s been another wonderful year for pediatric care at WVU Medicine Children’s,” Michael A. Grace, Ed.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.H.E., president of WVU Medicine WVU Hospitals, said. “We continue to grow across West Virginia and the surrounding region to provide world-class care to children and families who need it most. We are so proud of our dedicated team who deserves this national recognition.”

WVU Medicine Children’s was tied for 17th among Mid-Atlantic region hospitals.

This year marks the WVU Medicine Children’s Pediatric Urology Program’s seventh consecutive national ranking. The program was ranked 44th in the country.

The only pediatric urology program in West Virginia and led by the state’s only board-certified pediatric urologist, the experienced team provides some of the most advanced services and technologies, like robotic surgery and contrast enhanced voiding ultrasounds. WVU Medicine Children’s treats all urological issues, from urinary tract infections to poorly functioning kidneys.

“This prestigious ranking is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and compassionate care provided by our exceptional healthcare teams,” Osama Al-Omar, M.D., M.B.A., professor and chief of Pediatric Urology at WVU Medicine Children’s, said.

“As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to serving the people of West Virginia and the surrounding region. Our mission remains clear: to provide world-class care and improve the health and well-being of every patient who trusts us with their care. We look forward to continuing our journey of excellence, innovation, and community-focused healthcare for years to come.”

U.S. News, together with RTI International, a North Carolina-based research and consulting firm, collected and analyzed data from 108 children’s hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. Children’s hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level and quality of hospital resources directly related to patient care, and expert opinion among pediatric specialists.

“U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Children’s Hospitals evaluation empowers parents and caregivers with a data-driven guide to help them find the best pediatric hospital to treat their child,” Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News, said.

The full rankings for the 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll, regional, and specialty rankings can be found at USNews.com. For more information, explore #BestChildrensHospitals on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 30, 2025

Recent Buckhannon news highlights include FMG’s donations to emergency services and VIPS, local workshops, community events, leadership program applications, summer youth opportunities and more.

Difficulty obtaining video footage complicates investigation of alleged sexual assault at local variety mart

A Queens, New York, man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at a Mount Nebo Road store after officers tried but failed to obtain full surveillance footage of the incident.

Photo Gallery: Local Music Night in Buckhannon

Local Music Night returns to the Colonial Arts Center in Buckhannon on May 31, offering a free, all-ages concert featuring Reverend Rattlesnake and continuing its mission to showcase local musical talent.

Upshur County FFA honors Jessica Snyder, Coleton Payne and Derek Garrett with Honorary Chapter Degrees

At its annual banquet, the Upshur County FFA Chapter awarded Honorary Chapter Degrees to Jessica Snyder, Coleton Payne and Derek Garrett in recognition of their outstanding support and contributions to agricultural education.

Buckhannon Waste Board Agenda: June 5, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Waste Collection Board will meet on June 5, 2025, to discuss agenda items related to local waste management.

Beckley to retain rights to WVSSAC state soccer tournament

The WVSSAC Board of Directors has chosen the Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex in Beckley to continue hosting the state soccer championships through 2028, extending its long-running role as the event’s venue since 2003.

Upshur County schools show significant improvement in test scores as absenteeism rate begins to fall

Upshur County Schools saw marked improvement in English Language Arts and math proficiency across most elementary schools this year, with overall chronic absenteeism also declining, though attendance rates remain below the district’s target.

Scouting America Mountaineer Area Council names Sarah Fox as Fundraising and Marketing Director

Sarah Fox, a veteran fundraiser with experience in higher education and the military, has been named fundraising and marketing director for the Scouting America Mountaineer Area Council, where she will lead efforts to expand support and visibility.

Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County celebrates community support and grant impact

Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County thanked community members and grantors for crucial support that enabled the nonprofit to provide free, life-changing tutoring services for adult learners, emphasizing the broad impact of improved literacy.

Strawberry Festival Quilt Show Winners Announced

Susanne Thompson’s Longwood Gardens quilt swept both Best in Show and People’s Choice at the Strawberry Festival Quilt Show, with major honors also awarded to Mary Ellen Lemons, Sarah Sanders, Diana Kerr and others.

Loren Matthew Wimer

Loren Matthew Wimer, 58, of Ireland, a devoted family man, outdoors enthusiast, and logger, passed away on May 27, 2025, leaving behind loving relatives and friends who will honor his memory at services on June 1.

Lillian Carol Gibson

Lillian Carol “Peach” Gibson, a Buckhannon native and longtime Pittsburgh resident known for her career at U.S. Steel, artistic achievements, and support of local history, has died at Vincentian Schenley Gardens.