A state known for its coal mining, the United Mine Workers (UMWA) has been an influential part of West Virginia history.
In the 1970s during a push by the UMWA to improve the access to and quality of health care for its members, New River Health (NRH) was one of the organizations founded as a result of this effort. Opening in a former storefront in Scarbro, West Virginia, with fewer than five full-time employees, NRH soon moved into a larger clinic facility.
Many of the founding leaders of NRH worked for the organization and/or served as Board members to insure business expansion.
Dr. Daniel Doyle, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, and his wife, social worker Linda Stein, joined Craig Robinson, a former VISTA volunteer who moved to WV, and UMWA members as the driving force behind NRH.
Although NRH started by serving patients for urgent care and general medical conditions, the scope of health care evolved to include services such as cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, chiropractic care, women’s health, prenatal care and children’s health, management of chronic diseases, Black Lung services, pharmacies, counseling, dental health, in-school health centers, and medically assisted treatment (MAT).
Today, over 100 NRH staff members serve patients in multiple locations, operating several pharmacies, dental offices, school health sites, as well as numerous collaborations and partnerships with other high-quality health care entities in WV.
NRH also strives to be an active community partner and sponsors events and activities that promote physical fitness, wellness, and education.