A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house were held to celebrate the opening of the new Renner Behavioral Health Program at the former Teletech building in Moundsville. The program is an outpatient behavioral health clinic that opened about a month ago in partnership with the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce hosted the ceremony, which marked the culmination of efforts to bring the clinic to the community.
WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital received a $2.25 million grant from the Renner Foundation to help establish the program. The grant was founded by the late Dr. R. Richard Renner of Hundred and his wife Jennie Steindorf Renner of Wheeling. Part of the grant was used to renovate the space for the new clinic, which aims to address the pressing issue of behavioral health in the state and the country.
During the ceremony, Douglass Harrison, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, highlighted the significant need for behavioral health services in the region. He emphasized the importance of tackling the stigma surrounding mental health and ensuring that individuals receive the support they require. The hospital hopes that physicians will help facilitate the referral process for patients in need of mental health services, creating a seamless transition to care.
Marshall County Commission President Mike Ferro expressed his pride in having WVU Medicine expand its services in the community. He emphasized the importance of recognizing mental health on par with physical health, noting that the Renner Behavioral Health Program is a valuable addition to the community. The clinic is set to become a cornerstone for addressing behavioral health needs in the region, offering much-needed support to individuals seeking help.