U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) announced the award of $426,045 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to assist with improvements to the Center for Education at the St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington.  This funding was requested and secured by Congressman Rahall last year in the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

"As the largest medical facility in the tri-state region and Cabell County's largest private employer, St. Mary's is something of a powerhouse in southern West Virginia," said Rahall. "I am proud to have secured funding that will help this fine institution continue to provide quality health care to our communities as it has for the last 80 years."

The funding will be used in the relocation and expansion of the Center for Education, which includes the St. Mary's School of Nursing, the St. Mary's School of Radiography and the St. Mary's School of Respiratory Care.  To date, Rahall has secured more than $1 million for the project, which will allow for a 20 percent increase in enrollment.

St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation schools are fully accredited and are affiliated with Marshall University. The Foundation has also partnered with the Rahall Transportation Institute to educate area children and their families about transportation-related safety through the Transportation Injury Prevention and Safety (TIPS) program.

“We are very appreciative of Congressman Rahall’s continued support of the St. Mary’s Center for Education,” said Mr. Michael G. Sellards, President/CEO of St. Mary’s Medical Center.  “This project will be vital in addressing the shortage of nurses and other healthcare professionals in southern West Virginia over the next few decades.  Congressman Rahall realizes what this project means to our state, and his efforts have been key in making this project happen.”

“Access to healthcare in rural communities is one of the top challenges facing our nation in the 21st century,” said Rahall.  “I will continue to work to secure funding for health care facilities, like St. Mary’s, so that quality, modern healthcare services are available to the people of Huntington and southern West Virginia.”