West Virginia’s dedication to rural healthcare has garnered national recognition once again as the state achieved a significant milestone in the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP) rankings. In collaboration with the Healthcare Education Foundation of WV (HEF) and supported by the West Virginia Department of Health’s (DH) State Office of Rural Health, West Virginia’s 21 Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) have excelled in providing quality healthcare services to rural communities.
Each year, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) assesses states based on their reporting rates and improvements in healthcare quality over the preceding 12 months. This year, West Virginia proudly secured the 4th position nationwide, marking a notable ascent from last year’s 6th place tie. The quality measures gauged for the award are Patient Safety/Inpatient; Outpatient Care; Patient Engagement; and Care Transitions.
“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our healthcare providers across the state,” said West Virginia Department of Health Sec. Sherri Young, DO, MBA, FAAFB. “Through collaborative efforts and a focus on continuous improvement, West Virginia’s hospitals have demonstrated exceptional dedication to enhancing healthcare outcomes in our rural areas.”
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The MBQIP awards recognize states that have exhibited the highest levels of quality improvement and reporting rates in rural healthcare settings. West Virginia’s success in climbing to 4th place underscores its proactive approach to healthcare quality enhancement and patient care.
“This achievement is a great example of West Virginia hospitals collaborating with key partners to elevate the quality of care for all patients,” said Jim Kaufman, President and CEO of the West Virginia Hospital Association. “We’re proud of the work our Healthcare Education Foundation (HEF) is doing through their partnership with the State and other stakeholders to advance health care in rural communities throughout West Virginia.”
West Virginia has previously received MBQIP recognition, but this year’s 4th place ranking marks a particularly proud moment for the state. As stakeholders continue to collaborate and innovate in healthcare delivery, West Virginia remains committed to further improving healthcare access and quality for all its residents.
For more information on the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project and West Virginia’s achievements, visit HRSA’s official websitehere.
The West Virginia Mountaineers (10-3) welcome the Maryland Terrapins (10-5) to Kendrick Family Ballpark Tuesday afternoon the first encounter between the two programs since 2023 and the first meeting in Morgantown since 2018. The first pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. EST and the action will stream on ESPN+.
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The Mountaineers captured their fourth consecutive series of the season after taking two of the three games from Columbia over the weekend. West Virginia sophomore Matt Ineich and senior Brodie Kresser both blasted grand slams during the series. Ineich lifted WVU in game two with a walk-off grand slam in the 10th in game two, and Kresser ignited a 16-1 rout, capping a six-run second inning in the series finale.
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Gavin Kelly leads West Virginia at the plate with a .436 batting average with a Big 12 leading nine doubles. Ineich and senior Paul Schoenfeld has raked in a team-leading 16 RBI apiece, while senior Matthew Graveline has clubbed a team-high three home runs.
On the mound, West Virginia is expected to start sophomore David Hagen. The right-hander has made four appearances on the season, including one start. He last started in the home-opener against Ohio where he pitched two scoreless innings and recorded a strikeout to collect his first win of the season. He holds a 1.00 ERA with five strikeouts on the season.
After starting 3-4, Maryland is 7-1 in its last eight games. The Terrapins won two of three at UNC Wilmington in the season opening series, followed by a midweek win against Georgetown before getting swept at Louisiana. The Terps bounced back with a pair of midweek wins versus Delaware and swept a one-win Wagner team.
Junior Brayden Martin is batting a team-best .443 to go with four doubles and 12 RBI. Redshirt freshman Ryan Costello leads the Terps in home runs (9) and RBI (21) and is third in batting average at .328, while freshman Ty Kaunus has a team-high seven doubles and has .269 batting average.
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Maryland is scheduled to start freshman Nic Morlang. The right-hander has four appearances on the season, including four starts. He allowed five earned runs in his appearances, coinciding with his two starts, in six innings of work. In his last two appearances in relief, He’s allowed one earned run on five hits.
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West Virginia leads the all-time series 8-5, including a five-game winning streak over Maryland.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a series of parties in Morgantown over the weekend.
Morgantown police officers, West Virginia University Police and state police responded to reports of overcrowded parties, underage drinking, physical altercations and multiple injuries.
Morgantown Communications Director Brad Riffie said several citations were issued for open containers and underage consumption.
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Two large parties were dispersed and six arrests were made without incident.
None of the reported injuries are believed to be serious or life-threatening.
The Morgantown Fire Department assisted in the operations.
Hancock County, WV — A Weir High School senior has been recognized as the 2026 West Virginia Student Journalist of the Year.
Hailey Hans was selected for the statewide honor after building a journalism portfolio since her freshman year. She also serves as the staff manager of Weir Student Media, where she oversees articles and is in charge of deadlines.
“When I was a freshman I was placed in the journalism one class, and I actually tried to get pulled from the class. But, then after I sat in the class and I learned a little bit, that’s where my love grew and then from there I continued to take classes, I helped pass a law, and I got to these national conventions. Where it just lit a fire inside me,” Hans said.
Hans is planning to attend West Liberty University in the fall to study education with a minor in journalism, with the goal of becoming a journalism teacher. She will now submit her portfolio for the national-level contest.
