Today, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
(DHHR) Cabinet Secretary Bill J. Crouch issued the following statement:
“Governor Justice has asked that I prepare a comprehensive
statewide plan for all of our state facilities that will benefit the patients
in our care, reward our dedicated employees, and generate economic development
with new construction in the communities where these facilities are located.
I will be working with the legislators from these areas to determine what
course they would like to pursue, as well as with the staff of these facilities
to get their input. I will also be meeting with city and county officials
to discuss how we can make these projects an integral part of their
communities.
The State of West Virginia loses millions of dollars every
year in the operation of DHHR’s facilities. I believe that by working
together, we can save the state millions of dollars annually, improve the care
of the patients, ensure our employees retain their jobs, and promote economic
development in these communities. I will be prepared to submit a new plan
to the Legislature prior to the next legislative session to replace these aged
facilities with new, modern facilities to improve living conditions for our
patients.”