WV Health Dept Details 2025 Achievements in Efficiency and Public Health

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Published December 19th, 2025

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) has provided an update on its 2025 achievements, highlighting governmental efficiencies and improvements in public health programs. Key accomplishments include significant updates to EMS protocols, advancements in forensic identification, and critical supply delivery during flood events.

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What changed

The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) issued a notice detailing its 2025 achievements, focusing on governmental efficiencies and public health program improvements. Notable accomplishments include the most comprehensive EMS protocol updates in over 20 years, leading to the highest first-time pass rates in program history and expansion of the statewide whole blood program. Additionally, the Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Commission facilitated the positive identification of sixty-four decedents through DNA analysis, reducing the average identification time from 984 days to 111. The Center for Threat Preparedness also provided essential supplies and vaccinations in response to two major flood events.

This notice serves as an informational update on the department's activities and does not impose new regulatory requirements or deadlines on regulated entities. Compliance officers should note the advancements in EMS protocols and forensic identification as indicators of evolving standards and capabilities within the state's healthcare and public safety sectors. The department's focus for the upcoming year includes leading the Rural Health Transformation Program.

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Search this site WVDHHR > News > West Virginia Department of Health Provides Update on 2025 Achievements

West Virginia Department of Health Provides Update on 2025 Achievements

12/19/2025

The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is providing an update on major achievements over the last year, marked by governmental efficiencies, the improvement of programmatic operations, and prompt public health response.
“2025 was a prosperous year defined by growth, purpose, and resilience,” shared Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh. “We set ambitious goals for our department, and that drive has translated into meaningful differences for all West Virginians.”
In 2025, DH’s Office of Emergency Medical Services implemented the most comprehensive EMS protocol updates in more than 20 years, expanding provider capabilities and aligning with national best practices. Not only did first-time pass rates rise to the highest in program history, they also expanded their statewide whole blood program to provide vital, life-saving support to patients in the field.

There was also significant progress in the forensic arena as sixty-four decedents were positively identified using DNA analysis, allowing closure and peace of mind for families. This was made possible through the establishment of the Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Commission, a partnership between the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the West Virginia State Police, and the Marshall University Forensic Science Center. The average time from autopsy to identification for DNA-based cases also improved from as many as 984 days to 111.
DH’s Center for Threat Preparedness (CTP) was on the front lines to help deliver essential supplies as Governor Patrick Morrisey and his administration responded to two devastating flood events in 2025. CTP provided critically needed vaccinations to multiple counties across those two incidents, directly impacting families and individuals in need.
With 2025 coming to an end, DH will focus on leading the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a once-a-lifetime opportunity for West Virginia to see a complete metamorphosis of its rural healthcare system with a potential award of $500 million or more to invest directly into West Virginia. Governor Morrisey has outlined the state’s priorities for this program, targeting provider shortages, workforce and economic growth, technology, and personal health.
“I want to thank Governor Morrisey for this opportunity to lead this incredible department,” said Secretary Singh. “Every day, I see the effort our people put in to help make a true difference in the life of every West Virginian. I commend them for their unwavering dedication to public health. Without them, none of these accomplishments would be possible.”
Visit DH’s News page to learn more about the department’s 2025 achievements.