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

Mon Health hospitals receive ‘A’ rating in West Virginia for patient safety


Morgantown, W.Va. – Mon Health Medical Center and Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital are proud to be awarded an ‘A’ grade for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2021 Hospital Safety Grade. Both Mon Health Medical Center and Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital are the only hospitals in West Virginia to earn this designation.

Of more than 2,700 hospitals rated by Leapfrog across the country, this designation recognizes Mon Health Medical Center and Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital with an ‘A’ grade, the highest possible score, for proven efforts in protecting patients from harm and meeting rigorous safety standards.

“Providing the safest, highest quality care is at the heart of all we do at Mon Health Medical Center,” said Mark Gilliam, Chief Administrative Officer at Mon Health Medical Center. “Our team of physicians and staff are warm, embracing. They are the neighbors you grew up with and they provide the highest level of caring to our patients and their families. This Leapfrog recognition demonstrates the commitment of our physicians, nurses and staff to create the best possible experience and outcomes for every patient.”

Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent. Results are free to the public.

“Patient safety has always and will always be a top priority for us,” said Kevin Stalnaker, Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital Chief Administrative Officer. “Our hospital is a trusted part of this community and continue to strive for greater excellence in patient safety. Most importantly, we pledge to honor the trust of our patients by being transparent about our progress and working toward the highest possible standard of safety.”

In the decades that we have served our communities, we have expanded to become nationally recognized for excellence. We lead the state in treatments for conditions that most affect West Virginians with heart care, robotic surgery, and gynecologic care. Mon Health Medical Center has been recognized as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery for its minimally invasive expertise with two master surgeons of note and in Urology, our Mon Health Urologist is designated a UroLift Center of Excellence.

Mon Health Heart & Vascular Center is West Virginia’s leader in cardiovascular care as the first and only hospital in West Virginia to earn an Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Accreditation and first hospital in the region to offer the leading-edge Watchman FLX for AFib treatment. Also, Mon Health Medical Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals 2020-21 as High Performing in Heart Failure and is the only regional hospital and 24th in the country to receive HeartCARE Center Designation by the American College of Cardiology.

Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital has also been recently named a Top 100 Safety Net Hospital by the Lown Institute.

“We are sharply focused on doing the right thing, every time, for those we serve and are quite proud of what we’ve been able to achieve over the past year,” said David Goldberg, President & Chief Executive Officer at Mon Health System. “Nothing makes us prouder than to have been recognized by independent, third-party evaluators for providing the best patient care and experience in the region. That is always our goal.”

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Football Bucs fall to Robert C. Byrd, 34-0; but still projected to make playoff field at No. 16

Buckhannon-Upshur was shut out 34-0 by Robert C. Byrd after gaining just 117 yards and struggling in the rain, yet remained projected at No. 16 in the WVSSAC playoff field.
WVWC Volleyball

Volleyball Lady ‘Cats win marathon outing against Glenville State, 3-2

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Lady Bobcats rallied to defeat Glenville State 3–2 in a five-set marathon, led by Bhrooke Axe’s 24 kills and Lacey Guthrie’s 31 assists to improve to 17–8 (9–4 MEC).

Wesleyan grad named West Virginia High School Art Teacher of the Year by WVAEA

Elaina DePetro, a 2018 West Virginia Wesleyan graduate and John Marshall High School art teacher, was named West Virginia Art Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Art Education Association.

A new chapter begins in Buckhannon as Volume Bookshop & Studio brings books and tea to Main Street

From new and used books to British teas and shortbread, Volume Bookshop & Studio will hold its grand opening Monday in downtown Buckhannon. The new indie spot from Nicki Bentley-Colthart and Spike Nesmith also features a podcast studio, kids’ books, puzzles, vinyl and more.

Buckhannon Water Board Agenda: November 13, 2025

The Buckhannon Water Board will meet November 13, 2025, and this notice provides the meeting agenda.

Football Bucs to visit RCB Friday with playoff berths on the line for both teams

Buckhannon-Upshur (2-7) visits Robert C. Byrd (4-5) Friday with both teams fighting for playoff spots, as Bucs quarterback Dawson Tenney aims for 1,000 rushing yards after last week’s 60-57 thriller.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 11: B-U marches towards a playoff spot

Buckhannon-Upshur sits 16th in Class AAAA SSAC and looks likely for a playoff spot as the Bucs head into a winnable Week 11 game, while local picks contest standings and college matchups draw heated fan reactions.

Mountain CAP Family Support Center to sponsor Free Family Bowling Night on Nov. 19

Mountain CAP Family Support Center will host a free Family Bowling Night with games and shoe rental on November 19 from 5–10 p.m. at Woody’s Bowling Center.

Apply now: Upshur County CEOS seek 2026 Junior Belle

Upshur County CEOS seek third- or fourth-grade 4-H applicants for the 2026 Junior Belle, who will represent the county and attend the WV State Folk Festival, with applications due Jan. 5, 2026.