Announcements
WVU in the News: WVU training contact tracers for free with online class
Most agree a reliable contact tracing system is essential in preventing another outbreak among the population. West Virginia University is helping in the fight against the virus by training contact tracers for free and quickly.
WVU professor says trail use up amid pandemic
A West Virginia University researcher says exercising on local rail trails has doubled during the pandemic and is safe as long as people use best practices to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Virtual Regional Community Meetings for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Scheduled
West Virginia families and community members affected by substance use disorders or mental health issues: We want to hear from you!
Virtual mindfulness workshops aim to improve stress management and quality of life
This free weekly workshop series will cover techniques to effectively change your response to stress, the result of which is a calmer, more focused and resilient mind.
Credit and non-credit options now available for online course on COVID-19 contact tracing
Launched earlier this month, this course aims to train a ready pool of public health investigators in West Virginia. Now available as both a free, non-credit course for volunteers and as a credit bearing course for students, all participants who complete the training are required to assist with contact tracing efforts as needed throughout the COVID-19 public health crisis.
COVID-19 update topic of community seminar
The seminar titled COVID-19 Update will air on May 19 at 7 p.m. on the WVU Medicine East Facebook page. Matthew Simmons, M.D., infectious disease specialist with WVU Medicine East, will offer the latest information on COVID-19 as he continues to work closely with local, state and federal authorities to monitor the outbreak.
WVU in the News: West Virginia’s contact tracing needs illustrate ‘the paradox in public health’
Contact tracing is an important part of making sure highly contagious diseases like the coronavirus don’t spread. The practice helps tell people whether they have come in contact with an infected person, which in turn, can help guide treatments and reduce further exposure. But many local health departments in West Virginia don’t have enough resources to handle the existing needs within their communities. West Virginia University’s School of Public Health is partnering with the state DHHR to create a training program to get more contact tracers in place.
COVID-19 Testing and Campus Update
As the University begins to increase some on-campus research and clinical activities, particularly at the Health Sciences Center, it is important to remember that current COVID-19 testing capacity remains limited and that social distancing recommendations are still in place.
‘Park and Pray’ event will be held to support WVU Medicine employees, first responders
Community members are invited to pray for front-line workers (WVU Medicine employees and first responders) while following social distancing guidelines at an interfaith, non-denominational prayer gathering to be held at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, in the parking lots located directly in front of WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital.
WVU enacts temporary furlough program in response to COVID-19
West Virginia University announced Friday (May 8) it will implement a temporary furlough, affecting approximately 875 staff employees, as part of cost-saving efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.