The West Virginia State Hospital Initiative Inc. (WVSHI) is issuing this public update on the progress of Project Dignity, its statewide initiative focused on the restoration, memorialization and ethical stewardship of cemeteries located on former state hospital grounds across West Virginia.

WVSHI continues to move forward with the support of multiple state officials and agencies. In a recent meeting with the Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DHS), the department’s support for the project was affirmed. A draft license agreement had been reviewed by the department prior to that meeting, and the secretary confirmed no concerns from his perspective. The draft is now under review by DHS legal counsel. Once finalized, it will proceed to the Governor’s Office for final approval. If approved, the agreement will formally authorize WVSHI to share access to the cemeteries alongside the group currently holding access privileges.

A joint meeting between DHS, WVSHI, and the Friends of Sharpe Hospital Auxiliary is required before the agreement can be finalized. As of this release, no response or communication has been received from the auxiliary since November 2024, despite multiple outreach attempts.

In parallel, WVSHI is in the final stages of approval for a West Virginia State Historic Roadside Marker to commemorate those interred at the Weston State Hospital cemetery site. The final step is the submission of a location approval letter from the entity that oversees the selected placement site. Once received, the application will enter final review with the state marker committee.

WVSHI’s proposal offers direct operational support, including labor, equipment, and fuel—all at no cost to other groups or the state. These contributions are intended to assist in areas where funding and resources have been cited as ongoing challenges.

“Our thanks go out to all involved at the state level who have supported this work with openness, honesty, and professionalism,” said Titus Swan, Chairman and Founder of WVSHI. “That includes the leadership at DHS and Delegate Adam Burkhammer, who has supported this effort from its earliest stages.”

Project Dignity was created not to replace existing efforts, but to expand and enhance them. Access to the cemeteries remains limited and controlled, and the broader public has not been offered meaningful inclusion in preservation efforts. WVSHI’s approach emphasizes long-term accountability, public access, and permanent memorialization.

“When access to a state-owned site is controlled by a single private group with no engagement, no transparency, and no communication, that raises legitimate questions about ethical stewardship and public trust,” Swan said. “WVSHI was founded to remove those barriers — not protect them. Our work is rooted in service, preservation, and public inclusion.”

An earlier component of the initiative involved a proposal for ownership transfer and the creation of a legal trust to ensure long-term care and equitable oversight. That proposal has been tabled for now, pending further developments.

WVSHI will continue Project Dignity as planned, in full accordance with state law and best practices for public benefit, historical preservation, and institutional accountability.

About WVSHI – The West Virginia State Hospital Initiative Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and ethical presentation of West Virginia’s state hospital history. WVSHI’s work includes advocacy for those still affected by these institutions, former patients, descendants, and impacted communities. Its mission spans advocacy, preservation, presentation, restoration, and education. Project Dignity is WVSHI’s flagship program, focused on restoring and protecting state hospital cemeteries, creating lasting memorials, and promoting respectful, informed public access. WVSHI also operates under the DBA Riverstone Community Services, the organization’s operational branch focused on community assistance and impact, mental healthcare advocacy, and direct support. Riverstone oversees both current assistance programs and ongoing efforts, while also leading the development of future statewide initiatives such as outpatient mental health clinics, community thrift stores, and more.