Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), sent a letter to U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome E. Adams, to visit West Virginia and observe the work that “Wild, Wonderful, Healthy West Virginia” (WWHWV) is doing to support sustainable communities across West Virginia.
The letter said in part, “WWHWV is working innovatively to combat the opioid epidemic, promote education, and support economic growth in our state. Unfortunately, their efforts are severely needed in West Virginia, where we have consistently ranked in the bottom ten when it comes to health. In fact, West Virginia has higher diabetes, COPD, heart disease, stroke and cancer mortality rates than the national average.”
The letter can be read below
Dear Admiral Adams:
It is with great Mountaineer pride that I write today to invite you to West Virginia to see firsthand all the important work that “Wild, Wonderful and Healthy West Virginia” (WWHWV) is doing to help support sustainable communities throughout my state.
WWHWV is working innovatively to combat the opioid epidemic, promote education, and support economic growth in our state. Unfortunately, their efforts are severely needed in West Virginia, where we have consistently ranked in the bottom ten when it comes to health. In fact, West Virginia has higher diabetes, COPD, heart disease, stroke and cancer mortality rates than the national average.
I appreciate your leadership in this evolving field of community health, and I am proud to report that the goals of WWHWV align with the principles set forth in your office’s report on Community Health and Prosperity. WWHWV has brought together local, county, and state leaders to conduct community improvement planning, discuss sustainable solutions, and begin building a rural evidence base.
West Virginia is using innovative, sustainable solutions to mitigate a multitude of health risks through WWHWV. I look forward to hosting you in the Mountain State this fall and continuing our work together to improve the lives of West Virginians and all Americans.
