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

Barbour Community Health Association names John Henderson as Chief Medical Officer

Dr. John Henderson

Belington — Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) is delighted to announce the promotion of Family Physician John Henderson, MD, to Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Henderson will lead BCHA’s clinical team while continuing to provide care to his patients at Belington Medical Clinic.

Dr. Henderson, a resident of neighboring Randolph County, WV for nearly 30 years, is excited to serve as Chief Medical Officer.

“Being involved with an organization that I truly believe puts the wellbeing of our patients that we see and the community first,” says Henderson, “We do great things here at BCHA, and I want to be a part of that, and continue being a part of it in the future.”

This position will allow Dr. Henderson to perform administrative duties that ensure quality care for all patients that BCHA serves. Dr. Henderson will also be tasked with supporting both the administrative and clinical sides of the organization.

“This role is more responsibility, I want to unify the BCHA organization,” says Henderson.

Dr. Henderson is a graduate of West Virginia University from which he received his Undergraduate in Animal Science. He then went on to Medical School at West Virginia University where he completed a three year residency in Family Medicine.

“Dr. Henderson brings such a wealth of knowledge to this position and to our organization,” says Eric Ruf, CEO of BCHA. “We are so grateful to have him take on this role and lead our medical team as we continue to provide high quality care to our community.”

Dr. Henderson has worked within the organization in various capacities for 28 years. He feels that one of the key challenges administrators face is implementing protocol(s) that do not interfere with a provider’s individuality and individual practice of medicine, while knowing and abiding by the regulations of an FQHC.

“I really believe this organization cares about the patients first. A close second to that is the employees. I’ve seen many, many, many times over the years where the BCHA administration would go above and beyond to help our employees,” says Henderson, “I truly believe it’s a caring organization and that trickles down to our patients. From the Board to our CEO to Administration, as well as the nurses, front desk, and janitor, everyone really cares.”

For more information about the Chief Medical Officer or the services offered at BCHA, head to barbourhealth.org.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar features a packed schedule of baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, and track and field events for area schools and colleges from Monday, April 28 through Sunday, May 4.
WVWC Track - Wesleyan Sports

Wesleyan softball settles for a split with Concord in MEC doubleheader

West Virginia Wesleyan softball shut out Concord 2-0 in the opener but fell 11-7 in Game Two as both teams earned a win in Friday’s rain-affected doubleheader.

Maxine Virginia Malcolm

Maxine Virginia Malcolm, 96, formerly of French Creek, WV, and a retired Abbott Laboratories employee known for her faith and love of family, died April 23, 2025, leaving behind children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Strawberry Festival Parade

West Virginia Strawberry Festival parade routes and parking restrictions announced

The West Virginia Strawberry Festival and City of Buckhannon have announced the parade routes, schedules and parking restrictions from May 10-18 to ensure safety and smooth operations during the 83rd annual celebration in Buckhannon.

Coordinator hired to support WVWC’s Certificate in Addiction Counseling program

West Virginia Wesleyan College has appointed addiction specialist Jon Dower as coordinator for its new Certificate in Addiction Counseling program, aiming to enhance behavioral health education and address statewide substance use challenges.

Wesleyan launches Certificate in Addiction Counseling program to combat substance use disorders in Appalachia

West Virginia Wesleyan College is launching a fully online, post-master’s Certificate in Addiction Counseling this fall to help address substance use disorders in West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.

City of Buckhannon announces yard waste collection schedule and rescheduling update

Buckhannon residents can receive yard waste collection on designated Fridays and drop off limited loads at the Recycling Center for free, with the May 16 collection now rescheduled to May 23 because of the Strawberry Festival.

Donald Lee Simons

Donald Lee Simons, 77, a Buckhannon construction worker and former country club caddy known for his love of fishing, died at home on April 23, 2025, survived by family and friends.

Turn the page on a long winter: Little Free Libraries are the perfect Spring activity

Little Free Libraries in Upshur County offer free books at numerous locations, fostering community connections and literacy for all ages while encouraging residents to donate, borrow, and share a wide variety of reading materials.

The Colonial Arts Center & CAC Gallery Present: 2025 Vandalia Arts Journal Exhibition

The CAC Gallery will host the inaugural exhibition of The Vandalia Arts Journal from April 25 to May 10, featuring WV Wesleyan College students’ literary and visual works.

Upshur County FFA members compete in the West Virginia Beef Stockman’s Contest at the 2025 Beef Expo

Four Upshur County FFA members gained hands-on experience and new skills while competing in knowledge and evaluation events at the West Virginia Beef Stockman’s Contest during the Beef Expo at WVU Jackson’s Mill.

Buckhannon Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda: May 28, 2025

The City of Buckhannon has released the agenda and public notice for its Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for May 28, 2025.