LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Labor and delivery services are expected to return to Greenbrier Valley Medical Center following a new partnership between Vandalia Health and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM).
Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Thursday that the two healthcare institutions have signed a Letter of Intent to establish an agreement that would restore obstetric services at the hospital.
The governor also announced nearly $4 million in funding to establish West Virginia’s second freestanding birthing center and expand maternal healthcare services in the Greenbrier Valley.
“We are restoring essential healthcare services to the Greenbrier Valley by reopening labor and delivery at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center,” said Governor Morrisey.
“This historic partnership between two of West Virginia’s leading healthcare institutions, combined with a nearly $4 million investment, will build a stronger, more sustainable maternal healthcare system that serves mothers, babies, and families for years to come.”
The planned reopening would allow women in the region to once again access hospital-based delivery services, including cesarean sections, epidurals, and care for higher-risk pregnancies.
Under the proposed agreement, Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC), part of Vandalia Health, would reopen obstetric services at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.
WVSOM would also become Vandalia Health’s primary academic affiliation, with the partnership scheduled to begin implementation in phases on July 1, 2027.
The agreement would expand clinical training opportunities and establish a rural obstetrics training program in Greenbrier County to help recruit and retain physicians.
However, the Letter of Intent remains subject to final agreements and necessary approvals. An exact reopening date for labor and delivery services has not been announced.
In addition to restoring hospital-based deliveries, the nearly $4 million Rural Health Transformation Program award will support the establishment of a community-based birthing center operated by WVSOM.
The funding will also support prenatal and postpartum care, women’s health services, childbirth preparation, lactation support, care coordination, and telehealth services.
The new services will be introduced in phases as staffing, facilities, and clinical arrangements are finalized.
“What makes this effort especially important is that we are bringing partners together around a coordinated approach to maternal care rather than treating each level of care separately,” said Dr. Arvin Singh, Secretary of Health.
“For families, that means a clearer path between community-based services and hospital care, with the right level of support available when they need it. Our goal is to build a system that works together and can serve mothers and babies for years to come.”
WVSOM President James W. Nemitz said the partnership addresses a healthcare challenge affecting rural communities across the country.
“The challenge of providing OB/GYN and maternity healthcare in rural areas is not just a Greenbrier Valley issue. According to the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO), more than half of rural counties do not have a hospital that provides these services. WVSOM is honored to participate in this effort to resolve that issue for our region. What an appropriate use of Rural Health Transformation Program funding. We are proud of Dr. Drema Hill’s involvement and look forward to working with the other partners and Gov. Morrisey’s team,” said WVSOM President James W. Nemitz.
The announcement also builds on West Virginia’s participation in the federal Transforming Maternal Health Model, which provides up to $17 million over 10 years to improve maternal healthcare.
West Virginia was selected for the program in 2025 and is scheduled to enter its third year in January 2027.
The initiative focuses on improving patient safety, expanding healthcare workforce opportunities, strengthening care coordination, and using technology to improve maternal health outcomes.
State officials say the reopening of labor and delivery services, along with the new birthing center, is intended to improve access to maternal healthcare for families throughout Greenbrier County and surrounding communities.
