CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia healthcare facilities continue to demonstrate strong progress in protecting patients from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), according to the 2024 Healthcare-Associated Infections Report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“These reductions reflect years of intentional work by infection preventionists, healthcare providers, and public health partners across the state,” said State Epidemiologist Shannon McBee. “West Virginia’s progress shows that focused prevention efforts and strong facility-level practices can make a measurable difference in patient outcomes.”

The CDC report shows significant national declines in most HAIs, with West Virginia also reporting notable reductions when compared to both the national baseline and 2023 data. In particular, West Virginia saw substantial decreases in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), two serious infections closely tied to patient safety practices.

The report also highlights antibiotic stewardship efforts across healthcare settings. Of the 58 acute care hospitals reporting in West Virginia, 98 percent have implemented all seven CDC-recommended core elements for antibiotic stewardship programs. Among long-term care facilities, West Virginia achieved 100 percent implementation in four of the seven core elements, demonstrating meaningful progress in facilities serving older adults and individuals with complex medical needs.

“Antibiotic stewardship is a cornerstone of infection prevention,” said Acting Health Officer Dr. Mark McDaniel. “The high level of implementation across West Virginia hospitals speaks to the commitment of our healthcare system to using antibiotics responsibly and safeguarding their effectiveness for future generations.”

Despite improvements in outpatient antibiotic prescribing rates, West Virginia’s average remains above the national average. This signals an ongoing need and opportunity for continued collaboration with healthcare providers and communities to encourage appropriate antibiotic use.

Graphs summarizing West Virginia’s performance are available for review, and the full CDC report can be accessed at arpsp.cdc.gov.

The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health remains committed to partnering with healthcare facilities, providers and communities to further reduce healthcare-associated infections, strengthen antibiotic stewardship and improve health outcomes for all West Virginians, according to the press release.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – At a press conference Wednesday morning, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a new appointment to the state Board of Education.

Morrisey pointed to statistics he said shows the state’s education system isn’t delivering proper results.

West Virginia ranks 27th nationally in per-pupil spending and spends slightly above the national average when adjusted regionally.

“Over the last five years, the Legislature has increased education funding by more than $270 million,” Morrisey said. “It’s just important for people to know that. Yet, our results are some of the worst in the country.”

Some of the education statistics Morrisey cited include:

• Only 21% of eighth-graders are proficient in reading.
• Only 18% are proficient in math.

Morrisey said the problem isn’t spending.

It’s how the system is structured and managed.

He said one of the challenges is the state school board.

Morrisey said it is unelected, independent from the rest of government and has long term limits of nine years.

He also said there is a need for better communication and transparency.

He announced the appointment of Dr. James Paul to the West Virginia Board of Education.

Morrisey said he will bring a focus on accountability.

“I believe that the Legislature and the state board don’t need to be at odds with each other either,” Dr. Paul said. “In fact, that shouldn’t be the case. And if we’re going to serve West Virginia families well, the state board and the Legislature are going to have to work together.”

Dr. Paul has been involved in launching the state’s first public charter schools.

Paul serves as the director of state education opportunity at America First Policy Institute.

Morrisey said this is the first of a number of board picks.

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