WHEELING — The River Valley Health Foundation continues its work to raise money for the health and the educational well-being of Ohio Valley residents.

Executive Director Cynthia Morrison terms the organization “relatively new.” It is a private not-for-profit fundraising group spun off by Alecto following its purchase of the former Ohio Valley Medical Center in 2017.

It has continued to raise dollars following the subsequent closure of OVMC and COVID pandemic.

River Valley Health Foundation’s purpose has been to support healthcare needs arising from mental health, food insecurity, direct health care, and healthcare education needs. Funds raised assist in treating the health needs of children, the elderly and indigent, Morrison said.

The group awards money to entities in Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel counties in West Virginia, and Belmont, Jefferson, Monroe, Guernsey and Harrison counties in Ohio.

“The year 2018 first year, and our efforts have gratefully increased since 2019,” Morrison explained. “That year was a different year as hospitals were closing.

“Since then, we have received more and more requests every year, and last year we received over 30 grant requests.”

At the end of 2021, the River Valley Health Foundation awarded 17 of the grant requests for a total of $86,422.

Recipients included $2,916 to Bridge Street Elementary for vape detection; $7,000 to the Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley for the 2022 Community Impact Program; $2,500 to Faith in Action for the Volunteer Match Program; $7,500 to Information Helpline to assist with basic health needs; $5,000 to Madison Elementary’s after-school Anchor Program; $7,000 to NAMI for a drop-in center; $7,500 to Oglebay Institute for the Senior Full Life Arts and Wellness Program; $2,500 to Seeing Hand Association for maintenance of the Edelman Garden; $3,000 to The Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling; $2,500 to Special Olympics Belmont County for a new aquatic program; $5,000 to Steenrod Elementary for an on-site playground; $5,000 to St. John’s Home for Children for a therapy room; $2,506 to the Village of Clearview for the purchase of a defibrillator; $5,000 to West Liberty University Foundation’s Speech and Hearing Clinic; $5,000 to Wheeling Health Right for stocking the Blessing Box to assist with food insecurity; $10,000 to Youth System Services, Inc., for family emergency housing; and $6,500 to the YWCA for a health and wellness program.

River Valley Health Foundation last year also conducted a needs assessment survey of healthcare providers in Ohio County. It was determined through the study that mental health issues were a problem in the county, as was transportation to medical appointments.

“There are people who have problems getting to life-saving appointments such as kidney dialysis,” Morrison said.

Food insecurity for many also is an important issue in the county, and River Valley Health Foundation is a partner in the county’s food security team.

The group also supports afterschool programs, and not just because they provide dinner to students, according to Morrison.

“Students stay after school, and it’s an emotional and socialization program for them – as well as a time for dinner and snacks,” she said. “They talk about what is bothering them, and they can learn about what is good for their body.”

River Health Foundation works with health departments and schools to provide an outlet for health education, Morrison said.

Those wishing to donate to the foundation may mail a check to River Valley Health Foundation, c/o Cynthia Morrison, 1226 Chapline St., Wheeling, WV 26003. They also may donate online by credit card or Paypal at rivervalleyhf.org.