Marion County legislators discuss future of John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center with West Virginia DHHR secretary

House Bill 4365 was introduced last week, with Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, as lead sponsor and Del. Geoff Foster, R-Putnam, as co-sponsor.

The bill also tags Jackie Withrow Hospital in Beckley and Lakin Hospital in West Columbia for closure, citing the age and condition of the three facilities as a primary reason for shutting them down. Under the bill, the facilities would be closed by January 2023.

Similar bills have been introduced over the past several years, with none succeeding.

The delegation addressed Crouch with their concerns about what would happen in the community if the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center would close.

“Many people in the community rely on the center’s services,” said Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion.

The John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center is an intermediate nursing facility that also offers impatient and outpatient care.

Many of the health center’s patients are low income and rely on the services the center provides, according to a release from the delegation.

The DHHR currently manages the health center and is considering closing long-term care facilities, according to the release.

“If the John Manchin Center closes, some of the most vulnerable citizens may fall through the cracks or move hours away from home to find a bed,” said Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion.

Crouch said many of the state’s long-term care facilities are outdated and short-staffed. The DHHR is currently facing a shortage of nursing staff and must rely on nurses through a contract basis, according to the release.

Although the Manchin Center has 40 beds, it is not currently accepting any new patients even though it has only 27 filled beds. In addition to long-term care, the center provides over 225 meals a day to senior citizens of Marion County, offers telehealth services, and more, according to the release.

“The Manchin Center is an invaluable part of the Marion County community,” said Sen. Bob Beach, D-Monongalia.

“Many nurses and staff prefer to work in long-term care facilities instead of hospitals,” said Del. Phil Mallow, R-Marion. “Closing the facility takes away a viable career path for our area.”

The delegation also cited concerns from members of the Marion County business community that the center's closure would have a wide impact on the entire community.

“The Manchin Center supplements our work at the Marion County Senior Center, and several of our clients want to go to John Manchin when the time comes that they cannot be provided care at home,” Debbie Harvey, Marion County Senior Center director, said in the release.

“The closing would impact the quality of life in the community, and the loss of jobs would be detrimental to the community,” Marion County Chamber of Commerce President Tina Shaw said in the release.

The delegation urged Crouch to consider all the factors at play in his decisions.

“I feel that the meeting was very productive. The secretary indicated that he is open to meeting with community leaders and legislators to work on a solution after session during the interims,” said Del. Guy Ward (R-Marion).