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

Davis Health System celebrates ‘Vandalia Day’ as it officially joins Vandalia Health

DHS President & CEO Vance Jackson

ELKINS – Davis Health System celebrated ‘Vandalia Day’ on Monday at each of its hospitals – Davis Medical Center in Elkins, Broaddus Hospital in Philippi and Webster Memorial Hospital in Webster Springs – to mark the finalization of the agreement to join Vandalia Health, a health system that stretches north to south in the Mountain State and includes both Mon Health and CAMC, the Charleston Area Medical Center.

“The combined health system is the second largest not-for-profit integrated health system in West Virginia,” according to a press release. “It includes more than 180 outpatient care locations, over 70 specialties, and employs nearly 13,000 employees and providers.”

DHS President & CEO Vance Jackson said the agreement will strengthen Davis Health System’s mission to provide quality health care close to home.

“We are very pleased to bring our health systems together and bring better care to communities across the state,” Jackson said. “Rural, underserved communities will gain access to the best providers and medical care available as we leverage the strengths of this integrated health system.”

“Davis Health System is going to be here for a long time, and being a part of Vandalia Health is going to make it a lot more capable,” he added. “That’s one of the things that the board is really focused on — what can we do to serve our communities so that people don’t have to leave town?”

In addition to the three hospitals, Davis Health System includes a cancer center, specialty care clinics, long-term care, and other complementary affiliates. DHS operates Buckhannon Medical Care in downtown Buckhannon.

David Ramsey, Vandalia Health President & CEO

“Davis Health is the newest member of Vandalia Health, and we look forward to building on our collective strengths to improve local healthcare,” David Ramsey, Vandalia Health President & CEO, said.  “Each member of Vandalia Health shares a commitment to the well-being of our communities and the health care we can provide.”

Ramsey said that with the addition of DHS, Vandalia Health now comprises 14 hospitals across West Virginia. The system manages an additional three hospitals.

“This year we have had about 1.7 million patient contacts, 250,000 emergency room visits, 1,100 open heart procedures, 100 kidney transplant procedures, and we have delivered about 4,000 babies,” he said. “So you can see the breadth and depth of the organization. From the Lewisburg area to the Morgantown area, our footprint pretty much covers West Virginia.”

As part of Vandalia North, Davis Health System will be closely aligned with Mon Health System.

“We’re already expanding our nationally recognized Mon Health cardiology services with Davis Medical Center in Elkins,” said David Goldberg, Mon Health System President & CEO and Executive Vice President of Vandalia Health. “This represents just one service line where enhanced access will benefit the local community. We are excited for the opportunities the merger creates to enhance care and make it more affordable and accessible to the local communities in which we serve.”

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

A small light can overcome great darkness: Buckhannon marks Hanukkah with menorah lighting ceremony

More than 100 people gathered Wednesday evening for a Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony, with Mayor Robbie Skinner and organizer Daya Wright highlighting faith and perseverance. The night ended with the menorah lit in Jawbone Park, plus donuts, hot cider and dreidels.

Flame Detailing opens in Buckhannon just in time for winter salt season

Flame Detailing is officially open in Buckhannon, with owners Shane Jenkins and Blake Rasnake celebrating with a ribbon cutting Friday. The shop offers everything from quick hand washes to full details with ceramic coating to help protect vehicles this winter.

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels, 55, of Buckhannon, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by her husband Brian McDaniels, mother Linda Rohr Marteney, three children, a granddaughter, close friend Maranda Marin, and her dogs, with a celebration of life set for December 27.

Robert Day Allman

Robert Day Allman, 99, a WWII Navy veteran, longtime postal service leader and Buckhannon community member, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by his wife Samueline, children, grandchildren and extended family.

Key to Adam debuts new original West Virginia Christmas song ‘Snowflakes Are Falling’

Buckhannon-based instrumental duo Key to Adam has released a new Christmas song titled ‘Snowflakes Are Falling,’ marking the first time they have added vocals to one of their original projects.

WVU Medicine names Forest Hannah vice president of finance for Central Region critical access hospitals

Forest Hannah will oversee financial strategy and operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Summersville Regional Medical Center and Braxton County Memorial Hospital.

Mountain CAP, WVU Extension offering free nutrition and cooking class in Buckhannon starting in January

The six-week “Eating Smart – Being Active” program begins January 7 at the Family Support Center in Buckhannon.

Richard (Dick) Small

Richard (Dick) Small, 81, of Buckhannon, WV, founder of Richard Small Paving, died December 17, 2025, leaving his wife Mary Ann, six children, 19 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a legacy of faith and music.

Mary Ann Ketterman

Mary Ann Ketterman, 57, of Flemington, WV, died Dec. 14, 2025, at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center and will be cremated following a public viewing Saturday, Dec. 20.