SWVHS Honors Local Educators for Teacher Appreciation Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southern West Virginia Health System Honors Local Educators with Sweet Treats for Teacher Appreciation Week
Hamlin, W.Va. – May 20th, 2025 – In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS) delivered nearly 500 ceramic mugs filled with festive, apple-shaped cookies to teachers and teacher aides across Lincoln, Boone, and Logan counties, regions served by SWVHS’s school-based health clinics.
The gesture, led by school-based health providers, was a small but heartfelt way to recognize the dedication of educators who play a vital role in the lives of students and the broader community. The treats were hand-delivered by SWVHS providers who work closely with school staff throughout the academic year to support student health and wellness.
“After distributing the gifts, I still had many teachers thanking me throughout the week,” Nicole Ruffner, PA-C, M.S., reflected. “I continued to express how thankful we are for all they do and for the continued collaboration in supporting the health of our student population.”
Each teacher received a ceramic mug featuring the SWVHS logo, paired with a cheerfully decorated apple-shaped cookie, a classic symbol of appreciation for educators.
“Supporting our communities’ health and wellness is at the forefront of what we do as an organization,” said Karyn O’Dell, Chief Communications Officer at SWVHS. “Often, during the school year, as communicable diseases like flu and strep throat often have incubation periods before symptoms present, our teachers may be the first to recognize that the children in our communities are potentially sick. Teachers, school staff, and administrators partner with our school-based providers throughout the school year to help achieve the best health outcomes for each individual student in their care. It is with gratitude and partnership in mind that we participated in Teacher Appreciation Week with a little treat and hopefully a lot of smiles along the way.”
SWVHS school-based health clinics, led by dedicated nurses, nurse practitioners, behavioral health providers, and support staff, work hand-in-hand with educators to ensure students have access to high-quality, coordinated care right where they are. The Teacher Appreciation Week initiative reflects the organization’s broader mission of improving the health of its communities. By recognizing teachers in a meaningful way, SWVHS continues to demonstrate that community health starts with strong relationships, and a little sweetness goes a long way.
About Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS):
Southern West Virginia Health System is a comprehensive healthcare organization 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.
For media inquiries, contact:
Scott Coleman
Communications Manager
Southern West Virginia Health System
(681)479-0809
Scott.coleman@swvhs.org
