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

Dr. Matthew Christiansen named State Health Officer and Bureau for Public Health Commissioner

Dr. Matthew Christiansen

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jeffrey H. Coben, M.D., Interim Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), joined Gov. Jim Justice recently to announce the appointment of Matthew Christiansen, M.D., M.P.H., as State Health Officer and Commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health. This appointment is effective immediately.

Dr. Christiansen currently serves as the Director of DHHR’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) and was appointed to this position in October 2020 by Gov. Jim Justice. He also serves as Associate Professor in the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Health where he practices primary care and addiction medicine.

“Dr. Christiansen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this critical position,” said Dr. Coben. “As a physician, he understands the many facets and challenges of public health in West Virginia, and is well positioned to advance the safety and health of residents.”

Prior to joining DHHR, Dr. Christiansen was active in primary care and addiction treatment across the lifespan. He earned his medical degree and master of public health degree from Marshall University.

“I am greatly honored to serve West Virginia in this capacity,” said Dr. Christiansen. “I look forward to implementing a continued vision for improved health for all residents of this great state.”

Dr. Christiansen replaces Dr. Ayne Amjad, M.D., M.P.H., who announced in October 2022 that she was stepping down. Dr. Amjad has served in an advisory capacity since that time.

“Dr. Amjad stepped into this role in 2020 at the height of the pandemic and has helped guide West Virginia’s COVID response in an incredible way,” said Dr. Coben. “We appreciate her service and wish her the best as she returns to her private practice.”

Rachel Thaxton, ODCP Assistant Director, and Christina Mullins, DHHR Deputy Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, will handle administrative functions of ODCP while a search is conducted for a permanent ODCP Director.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for July 2, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local organizations plan events and clinics — including a big July 4th celebration — and several community initiatives aim to engage residents of all ages.

Emergency agencies stress need for coordinated incident plans during large events with road closures

Emergency officials emphasized the need for incident action plans and coordination with public safety agencies for large events that close major streets, citing upcoming car shows and other street-closure events to ensure fast, safe emergency responses.
BUHS Sports

B-U now in Class AAAA in all sports; moved to new South Region after WVSSAC restructuring

Buckhannon-Upshur High School will compete in Class AAAA — the highest division — for all sports and has been moved to the new South Region under a two-year realignment by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.

Stockert Youth and Community Center Board Meeting Agenda: July 3, 2025

The Stockert Youth and Community Center Board will meet July 3, 2025, with an agenda set to discuss organizational matters and upcoming events.

Buckhannon Waste Board Agenda: July 3, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Waste Collection Board has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting on July 3, 2025.

Woman arrested on six felony charges after allegedly shooting at a man in Upshur County

Jocelyn M. Krum, 28, of Charleston, was arrested on six felony charges after allegedly entering a Mt. Lebanon Road residence in Upshur County with a rifle and shooting at a man before fleeing the scene.

Buckhannon man sentenced to 11 to 21 years for Bailey Ridge Road shootout

Austin W. Arbogast, 26, was sentenced to 11 to 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to four felony charges stemming from a March 2024 shootout on Bailey Ridge Road while attempting to retrieve his child.

Mountain East Conference extends invitation to Shawnee State University

The Mountain East Conference has approved Shawnee State University as its 12th full-time member, with the school set to join in 2026 pending NCAA Division II acceptance and expanding league competition in 19 sports.
Davis and Elkins College

Davis & Elkins College students recognized for high academic honors for Spring 2025 semester

Davis & Elkins College has announced the Spring 2025 president’s list, for students earning 4.0 GPAs, and dean’s list, for those earning 3.6 to 3.99, honoring academic excellence campus-wide.