Sen. Jim Justice highlights rural health during visit to Marshall Health Network – Rivers Health
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — U.S. Sen. Jim Justice visited Marshall Health Network – Rivers Health today to highlight federal and state investments supporting access to high-quality rural health care in West Virginia, with a focus on emergency care expansion, mobile medicine and rural workforce development.
The visit showcased renovations underway to expand the Rivers Health Emergency Department. While serving as governor, Justice approved a $7 million state funding award that supported phase one of the project.
“Rural health facilities are the lifeblood of our communities, which is why I’ll never stop fighting to get places like the resources they need to succeed. I voted to allocate millions to our rural healthcare facilities, and seeing our state receive $200 million to support places like this is a real, tangible win. I hope they can put this money to good use and continue to serve the surrounding community, because places like this really make a difference,” said Senator Jim Justice.
Once complete, the expanded emergency department will include 11 private emergency treatment rooms, two private trauma rooms, two psychiatric rooms, two decontamination suites and express treatment rooms. A new dedicated ambulance bay will improve patient transport and emergency response efficiency. The new space will total nearly 12,000 square feet, more than two times the size of the current emergency department. The emergency department is expected to open in fall 2026.
“Continued investments in rural health ensure our communities have access to timely, high-quality care close to home,” said Scott Raynes, president and CEO of Marshall Health Network. “The expanded and renovated emergency department will strengthen emergency care for residents of Mason County and surrounding communities, while positioning Rivers Health to meet anticipated growth in the region. We at Marshall Health Network want to thank Sen. Justice and all of our federal representatives for their continued focus on helping our state’s rural hospitals.”
Justice also discussed the Rural Health Transformation Fund and its anticipated impact on improving access to care, strengthening rural hospitals and advancing long-term health outcomes across West Virginia.
During the visit, guests toured Marshall Health Network’s Marco Mobile Medical Unit, launched in 2025 to bring primary and preventive care directly to rural and underserved communities. Leaders also highlighted Rivers Health’s role in rural workforce development, including Marshall’s rural psychiatry residency program.
Photos available at https://jcesom.smugmug.com/Events/2026-Events/US-Senator-Jim-Justice-visits-Rivers-Health.