WVU Medicine’s Renner Behavioral Health Program Tackles Mental Health Stigma and Need for Services in West Virginia

WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to celebrate the launch of its new Renner Behavioral Health Program. The program, which is a joint venture between WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital, has been operational for about a month in the renovated space at the former Teletech building in Moundsville.

The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce organized the event, which was attended by community officials and dignitaries. WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital received a $2.25 million grant from the Renner Foundation to help establish the program, with some of the funds used to renovate the clinic space.

During the ceremony, Douglass Harrison, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, emphasized the urgent need for behavioral health services in West Virginia and across the country. He underscored the importance of breaking down stigma around mental health and encouraged physicians to initiate referrals for individuals in need of mental health services.

Marshall County Commission President Mike Ferro expressed his pride in having WVU Medicine expand its services in the community and acknowledged the significance of the new program. He emphasized that mental health should be recognized as being just as critical as physical health, signaling a positive step towards addressing mental health needs in the region.