The West Virginia State Department of Health, Bureau for Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease announced the recipients of the 2024 Celebrating Healthy West Virginia Award at Glade Springs Resort. The Buckhannon River Paddlers group was among those honored.
The awards were hosted by Active Southern West Virginia. This recognition celebrates 43 organizations committed to fostering environments that offer everyone the opportunity to live a healthier life.
Cabinet Secretary Sherri Young praised the recipients, stating, “The dedication and passion of these organizations are truly inspiring. Their commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities reflects the very best of West Virginia. By supporting and acknowledging their work, we hope to encourage even more initiatives that promote healthy living across our state.”
The 2024 award recipients include a diverse range of organizations making significant strides in health promotion and community wellness:
- Active Southern West Virginia
- Arthurdale Heritage
- Buckhannon River Paddlers
- Cabell-Huntington Health Department
- Center for Active WV
- Circles Campaign of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Inc.
- Clendenin Elk River Walking Club
- Columbia Forest Products
- Community Markets Inc.
- Elk River Trail Foundation
- Faith in Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley, Inc.
- Free Meals Appalachia
- Fun Fitness Foundation Inc.
- Girls on the Run of the Shenandoah Valley
- Grayhound Youth Sports
- Grrl Gang Runners and Friends
- Healthy Berkeley County
- Heart+Hand Outreach Ministries
- HoH-Share
- Keep Your Faith Corporation
- KEYS 4 HealthyKids
- Laughlin Memorial Chapel
- Lewis County Family Resource Network
- Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center
- Mountaineer Food Bank
- Mountains of Hope Outreach
- Niterra North America, Inc
- Parents Auxiliary Inc. Ken Ellis Memorial Park
- Plant the Seed Project
- Potomac Valley Audubon
- Rebuilding Together Charleston
- Refresh Appalachia
- Roane General Hospital- Prescription for Your Health
- Southern Appalachian Labor School
- Southern West Virginia Health System
- Spotted Owl Healthcare Organization
- The Amputee Center
- Try This WV
- We Bike WV
- Wetzel County Family Resource Network
- WV National Interscholastic Cycling League
- WVU School of Dentistry’s Certified Tobacco Treatment Training Program
Several organizations received special honors for their exceptional contributions:
- Arthurdale Heritage was recognized with the 2024 Inspiring Innovator Award.
- The Amputee Center received the 2024 Jessica G. Wright Health Equity Award.
- Rebuilding Together Charleston was awarded the 2024 Community Care Award.
- WV National Interscholastic Cycling League earned the 2024 Trailblazer Award.
“These organizations work tirelessly each day to create a healthier and more vibrant community for their members,” said Sheryn Carey, Director of the West Virginia HPCD. “We are thrilled to celebrate their remarkable efforts and the positive impact they have made across our state.”
The Celebrating Healthy West Virginia awardees will receive special signage and promotional materials to highlight their commitment to policies, programs and practices that foster healthier lifestyles.
To learn more about the Celebrating Healthy West Virginia initiative and discover how your community can get involved, please visit celebratinghealthywv.com.
