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Southwest VA Residents Could See Improvements in Health Services

The Kingsport Times-News recently reported about efforts to improve the health of residents in Southwest Virginia. As of now, individuals who live in Southwest Virginia have a premature mortality rate that is 26 percent higher than the state average, in addition, to having higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Adapting health services to better suit area residents can result in a great improvement in their quality of life, and also make the area more attractive to businesses and new residents, which will improve property values.

"The Southwest Virginia Health Authority has unveiled a plan to improve the region’s health care network and access to health care that includes a push to establish a medical specialist training facility in the region and permitting an expanded role for dental hygienists.

The Blueprint for Health Improvement and Health-Enabled Prosperity is the first strategic plan developed to address health disparities residents of Southwest Virginia face, said Delegate Bud Phillips, D-Clintwood.

Phillips is chairman of the authority, which was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2006.

Residents of Southwest Virginia have a premature mortality rate that is 26 percent higher than the state average and have higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The “blueprint” identifies those issues and needs and sets short-term, intermediate and long-term goals and objectives to address those needs, Phillips said.

'We believe the authority’s approach is a model for the nation to follow because it was developed by the people who know health care and what Southwest Virginia’s needs are,' he said. 'By improving health care, we improve the quality of life in Southwest Virginia.'

Some of the blueprint goals include allowing dental hygienists to provide preventive care. Another goal — establishing a dental school/clinic in Wise County — is under way. The plan also proposes as an immediate goal establishing a Medical Specialist Training Center in the region so residents won’t have to travel long distances to see health care specialists.

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Posted on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 - 3:03pm

Marion to Retain Housing Specialist for Project

According to SWVAtoday.com, the town of Marion will retain a housing rehabilitation specialist to review the Pearl Avenue/Buchanan Street project. This project will see rehabilitation of 15 owner-occupied houses, six rented properties, substantial reconstruction of an owner-occupied home, and demolition and removal of two vacant blighted structures in addition to general debris and trash removal. The project will benefit 46 low-to-moderate income residents.

"Marion will retain a housing rehabilitation specialist to review a project for which the town will receive a total of $719,190 to improve residences on Pearl Avenue and Buchanan Street."

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Posted on Friday, August 7, 2009 - 3:53pm

Forests in Southwest Virginia to Benefit from $3.3 Million in Stimulus

Towns neighboring national forests in Southwest Virginia may soon experience a economic boost as a result of some federal stimulus funding that will be used to make enhances and repairs to trails and bridges in the area, according to the Roanoke Times. The federal funding represents more than three times the annual budget for maintaining these trails and bridges, which will allow the Forest Service to make the trails more accessible to residents and tourists. Homeowners in the area can look forward to enjoying the trail and bridge improvements themselves, and also reap the benefits of increased tourism.

"Hiking trails in Southwest Virginia will benefit from almost $3.3 million in maintenance and reconstruction money thanks to the federal stimulus package, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The grants represent more than three times the annual budget for maintaining the region's trails and bridges, said Ted Coffman, recreation staff officer for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

'Our normal trail budget for this forest is around $1 million per year,' he said. 'We manage over 2,000 miles of trails and we have about 375 miles of the Appalachian Trail.'

In a list of projects released Tuesday, the Forest Service said it would send $1.9 million of that money for general trail maintenance and bridge repair in the national forests' 36 counties. Trails will be cleared and get new culverts, and trail heads will get new gravel. The Forest Service, working with local volunteer groups, will also barricade shortcuts blazed by users and demolish condemned structures along the trails."

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Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 11:11am

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Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 12:00am