From left, United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley Executive Director Staci Stephen, United Way of the Mid-Ohio Valley Executive Director Staci Decicco, Highmark West Virginia President-elect Jay Sheehy and United Way of Central West Virginia President and CEO Margaret O’Neal pose for a photo Monday morning at the United Way of the Mid-Ohio Valley offices in Parkersburg. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health awarded $102,000 in grants to United Way organizations across the state on Monday.

A release from the organization said this continues its commitment to supporting the health and well-being of West Virginians and marks the fifth consecutive year the organization has provided critical funding to community partners, totaling $506,000 in giving.

“We are delighted to contribute to the important work of United Way organizations across the Mountain State, helping them to create positive change in the lives of families and residents,” Jay Sheehy, president-elect of Highmark West Virginia, said in the release. “Through this fund, we’re committed to strengthening communities in all 55 counties, and our partnership with the United Way is a key element in achieving that goal.”

The release said the grants, ranging from $3,000 to $25,000, will support programs that address crucial needs within communities.

It said United Way agencies located in areas with a high concentration of Highmark West Virginia members receive $25,000 each, while the remaining agencies each receive $3,000.

“This generous support from the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health allows us to continue providing vital resources and programs to individuals and families in need,” Stacy DeCicco, executive director of the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, said in the release. “We are grateful for this ongoing partnership and the impact it has on our communities.”

A complete list of grant recipients is as follows:

* United Way of Central West Virginia – $25,000

* United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley – $25,000

* United Way of Upper Ohio Valley – $25,000

* United Way of Southern West Virginia – $3,000

* United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties – $3,000

* United Way of the River Cities – $3,000

* United Way of Greenbrier Valley – $3,000

* Tygart Valley United Way – $3,000

* United Way of Eastern Panhandle – $3,000

* United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties – $3,000

* Potomac Highlands United Way – $3,000

* United Way of Gilmer, Lewis, and Upshur – $3,000

The release said since its launch in 2021, the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health has distributed close to $8 million in grant funding to West Virginia-based nonprofits, demonstrating its commitment to improving the health and well-being of the state’s residents.