“$25,000 isn’t enough.” Health director pleads with commissioners for more funds

Originally published July 11, 2024

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (River News Network) – One local health director appeared before the Belmont County Commissioners Wednesday to thank them for allocating funds to her clinic, but also to explain that even more money is needed for patient care.

Kathie Brown, Executive Director of Wheeling Health Right in West Virginia, thanked commissioners for their recent allocation of $25,000 in funds to offset costs for patients from Belmont County.

Brown said that although the Wheeling Health Right clinic is based in Wheeling, many Belmont County, Ohio residents also receive treatment there. She emphasized the importance for patients who lack medical insurance to receive some type of medical care, and said Wheeling Health Right fills that gap.

Brown said Belmont County should support Wheeling Health Right since the clinic provides essential medical care to its residents.

These are your constituents who need healthcare, people who fall through the cracks.

Kathie Brown, Executive Director, Wheeling Health Right

Brown explained that the medical services her clinic provides can prevent patients from needing emergency room or ICU care. She cited diabetes as one disease they manage that can quickly escalate into a medical crisis if it’s not managed.

Another essential service Wheeling Health Right provides is dental care. Brown said there are no dental services for uninsured patients on the Ohio side of the river.