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

WVU’s HAPI Project/Healthy Start Program receives $5.47 million for next five years

WVU
An infant's hand holds an adult's finger.

The West Virginia Healthy Start/Helping Appalachian Parents and Infants Project received a total of $5.47 million in continued federal funding for the next five years through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Healthy Start Initiative: Eliminating Disparities in Perinatal Health. Healthy Start aims to improve health outcomes before, during and after pregnancy, and to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in rates of infant death as well as negative health outcomes in the first 18 months of life.

The HAPI Project is administered by the West Virginia University School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the West Virginia University Research Corporation. The Project’s goal is to reduce infant mortality by reducing the incidence of preterm labor and low birth rate and improving the overall health of mothers and families.

“We are so excited to be able to continue our work with families that need support,” Penny Womeldorff, director of the West Virginia Health Start/HAPI Project, said. “Our partnerships with many schools and departments within WVU, WVU Medicine, our numerous community and state partners and providers, and especially our committed nurses and social workers providing such excellent services has been the cornerstone to our success and continuation. We want to keep growing and responding to the needs of our West Virginia families and contribute to the health and wellbeing of West Virginia in general.”

The HAPI Project works with local agencies that employ designated care coordinators, licensed professional social workers and registered nurses who provide education, resources and services to clients. The HAPI Project will expand from eight counties to nine, including Barbour, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor and Upshur.

Healthy Start organizations serve communities with infant mortality rates at least 1.5 times the United States national average and with high rates of other negative maternal and infant outcomes. Funding will support a wide range of services for women, children, fathers and families, including: healthcare coordination; case management; linkage to social services; screening and counseling for depression, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; breastfeeding support; interconception education; fatherhood engagement, child development education; and parenting support.

The HAPI Project is funded by HRSA, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Division of Healthy Start and Perinatal Services and is integrated with Right From The Start.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Woman arrested on six felony charges after allegedly shooting at a man in Upshur County

Jocelyn M. Krum, 28, of Charleston, was arrested on six felony charges after allegedly entering a Mt. Lebanon Road residence in Upshur County with a rifle and shooting at a man before fleeing the scene.

Buckhannon man sentenced to 11 to 21 years for Bailey Ridge Road shootout

Austin W. Arbogast, 26, was sentenced to 11 to 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to four felony charges stemming from a March 2024 shootout on Bailey Ridge Road while attempting to retrieve his child.

Mountain East Conference extends invitation to Shawnee State University

The Mountain East Conference has approved Shawnee State University as its 12th full-time member, with the school set to join in 2026 pending NCAA Division II acceptance and expanding league competition in 19 sports.
Davis and Elkins College

Davis & Elkins College students recognized for high academic honors for Spring 2025 semester

Davis & Elkins College has announced the Spring 2025 president’s list, for students earning 4.0 GPAs, and dean’s list, for those earning 3.6 to 3.99, honoring academic excellence campus-wide.

Ketha Pearl Simmons

Ketha Pearl Simmons, 83, of French Creek, died at home on June 30, 2025, is survived by three children, ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and will be remembered at a Frenchton Community Church service.
Fred Eberle Technical Center

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council to meet July 8

The Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council is scheduled to hold a regular meeting on July 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the center, focusing on career and technical education programs.

Man faces new charge related to stolen UTV from Barbour County

Travis Medina, 41, of Buckhannon, faces a new charge of receiving or transferring stolen goods after authorities found a UTV reportedly stolen from Barbour County.

River Fest returns in August with free food, live music and paddling for the whole community

River Fest will return August 23 with free food, live music, beginner kayaking, and community activities for all ages, aiming to attract 200 attendees and celebrate the Buckhannon River in memory of its founder, April Keating.

On the City of Buckhannon calendar: June 30 – July 4, 2025

Buckhannon has announced upcoming public meetings, July 4th holiday closures, a community celebration and fireworks, yard waste collection dates, and information on utility payments and city service requests available online.