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

West Virginia becomes first state to develop protocols for the administration of whole blood on ambulances

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Since West Virginia became the first state in the country to provide statewide protocols for the administration of whole blood on ambulances, the Department of Health (DH) is pleased to announce two counties are currently providing the service to residents.

Cabell County EMS started offering the service in November of 2023, and in March of 2024, Harrison County also began carrying whole blood on ambulances.

“For patients experiencing significant blood loss from a trauma, every second matters. I’m pleased to see West Virginia leading the country in this effort that will undoubtedly save lives,” said Cabinet Secretary Sherri Young, DO, FAAFP, MBA.

The Department of Health’s Director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services, Joseph Ratliff, said the state has orchestrated education throughout the state’s EMS regions that will allow agencies coming to these counties to receive mutual aid for their patients in need of blood products.

“Bleeding is often an early cause of death when it comes to trauma patients, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Ratliff. “I’m pleased to see these two counties stepping up to answer the call by providing this lifesaving service to residents.”

Ratliff added that paramedics delivering whole blood on ambulances in these two counties are specifically trained to administer the transfusion to those in need. “Administering whole blood to trauma patients within the golden hour of a trauma can significantly improve their chances of survival. Whole blood transfusions will help restore a patient’s blood volume and clotting function much faster than traditional blood component therapy.”

Blood donations can assist in expanding this program to other parts of the state. To make an appointment, donors may download the Red Cross Blood Donor App and utilize Rapid Pass which speeds up the time it takes to donate by allowing prospective donors to fill out the questionnaire online. Donors can also follow the progress of their donation through the app, from the time they give blood to the lifesaving services it may provide. Donors may also make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Local Rotary club expands soft-plastics recycling drop-off sites in Upshur County

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur has added more drop-off locations for its soft-plastics recycling project, keeping thousands of pounds out of local landfills. The effort helps fund balers and inclusive playground equipment made from recycled materials.

WVWC Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development to host Community Labs on fundraising, marketing

WVWC’s Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development is hosting free Community Labs to help local nonprofits, mission-driven groups, and businesses strengthen fundraising and marketing.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: January 20, 2026

The Upshur County Board of Education will hold a meeting January 20, 2026, and this notice outlines the agenda for that session.

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau seeking executive director

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau is hiring an executive director to lead tourism development, marketing and community engagement.

Basketball ‘Cats have no answers for UC’s offense in 100-58 setback

Charleston rolled to a 100–58 Mountain East Conference win over West Virginia Wesleyan, led by Matthew Shelton’s 20 points and strong depth as the Bobcats fell to 0–14.

Wesleyan women drop game at the buzzer to Charleston, 53-51

West Virginia Wesleyan fell 53-51 to Charleston after a final-second layup, despite Sydney Baird’s 14 points and Kilah Dandridge’s 12 points and five assists in a tightly contested Mountain East Conference game.

Tucker and Pingley record double-doubles as B-U secures first win of the year with a 58-43 victory over Robert C. Byrd

Madelyn Tucker and Emma Pingley each posted double-doubles as Buckhannon-Upshur earned its first win, defeating Robert C. Byrd 58-43 behind Tucker’s 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Election Update: The latest local candidate filings as of January 14

Candidate filings are underway for the May 12, 2026, Primary Election, with early entries for county commission, school board and city recorder. The filing deadline is Jan. 31, 2026.

Winter weather advisory issued for Upshur County as snow moves in

A winter weather advisory is in effect for Upshur County from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. Thursday as a fast-moving system could bring 2–4 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph.