Making Waves in Washington: SWVHS Advocates at NACHC’s Hill Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Scott Coleman
Communications Manager
Southern West Virginia Health System
(681)479-0809
Making Waves in Washington: SWVHS Advocates at NACHC’s Hill Day
Hamlin, W.Va. – February 20, 2025 – Representatives from Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS) recently attended the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Policy & Issues Forum in Washington, D.C., to advocate for stronger government support for Community Health Centers (CHCs), addressing critical issues such as telehealth reimbursement, workforce shortages, and the sustainability of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Those in attendance on behalf of SWVHS included Chris Harper, registered pharmacist and Chief Development Officer, and Brian Miller, registered pharmacist and Pharmacy 340B Director.
“Advocating for the needs of CHCs and their patients is more critical now than ever,” said Harper. “Hill Day, which is part of the NACHC Policy & Issues Forum, allows us to bring the voices of those we serve directly to policymakers, fostering meaningful change in the care and services we provide to underserved communities across West Virginia.”
The Impact of CHCs in West Virginia
West Virginia is home to 34 CHCs with 550 clinic locations, serving over 570,000 patients—nearly one-third of the state’s population. These centers play a vital role in delivering essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. CHCs provide comprehensive care, including 250 school-based health centers, 317 behavioral health locations, 120 oral health care locations, and 451 340B pharmacy sites.
In addition to in-person care, CHCs have expanded their services through telehealth, ensuring patients can access healthcare from the comfort of their homes. Telehealth is particularly critical in rural healthcare settings where patients may live in remote areas or have difficulty traveling to in-person healthcare appointments. However, current reimbursement rates for telehealth visits are less than 50% of in-person rates, creating financial challenges that threaten the sustainability of these services. “To continue offering telehealth and ensuring long-term sustainability, it is critical that policymakers address the need for adequate reimbursement,” Harper emphasized.
Workforce Shortages & 340B Program Sustainability
CHCs are also facing a growing shortage of primary care providers. Harper highlighted the urgent need for Congressional action to invest in programs such as the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) to attract and retain medical professionals in underserved areas.
Another major topic discussed during Hill Day was the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which allows health centers to purchase prescription medications at reduced prices. “This program ensures patients have access to affordable medications, and the savings are reinvested back into patient care,” said Harper. “It is essential that the 340B Program is stabilized.”
A Commitment to Advocacy & Community Health
During the forum, Harper and Miller joined healthcare professionals nationwide in discussions with representatives and senators, advocating for policies that strengthen CHCs and protect vital funding.
“We’re proud to have administrators at SWVHS who are advocating for the best interests of our patients,” said Lisa Leach, Chief Executive Officer of Southern West Virginia Health System. “Our priority has always been the health and well-being of our patients, and we remain dedicated to providing high-quality health care in southern West Virginia.”
To learn more about the National Association of Community Health Centers, please visit: www.nachc.org.
To learn more about Southern West Virginia Health System’s locations and services, please visit: www.swvhs.org.
About Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS):
Southern West Virginia Health System is a comprehensive healthcare network dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare services throughout Southern West Virginia. SWVHS offers a full spectrum of medical care, including family medicine-based primary care, specialty care, pharmacy services, and school-based health care, all designed to meet the evolving health needs of the region’s residents.
