CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice issued the following statement today after Mountain Health Network announced a reduction of 53 full-time positions and the elimination of obstetrics services at Pleasant Valley Hospital in Point Pleasant.

“This announcement today from Pleasant Valley Hospital is very unfortunate. I have instructed my Department of Health and Human Resources Secretary Bill Crouch to remain in contact with Mountain Health leadership and to offer any support that we can during this tough time.

“The road that led us to what we have seen in recent months – community hospitals across our state shrinking or closing altogether – started a long time ago. But now it’s our responsibility to look under every rock for solutions.

“Today, I met with many key stakeholders in West Virginia’s healthcare industry to begin the process of forming the Rural Medicine Task Force. This group will be essential as we work together to find ways to stop the closure of our community hospitals.

“This is one of my highest priorities as Governor. No matter where you live, every single West Virginian deserves to have access to quality hospital and emergency care services.”