Governor Jim Justice announced the distribution of $40 million in Rural Hospital Grant funding during a ceremony recently held at Boone Memorial Hospital. The program, which launched in October following the appropriation of funds by the West Virginia Legislature, will improve healthcare infrastructure and services at rural hospitals across West Virginia.“Our rural hospitals are truly the lifeblood of our state,” Justice said. “So many of us depend on the care, compassion and love you all provide to our neighbors, friends and families. You don’t just show up for work—you answer the call daily. With these funds, we’re putting a stake in the ground and saying we stand with our rural hospitals. We’re so thankful for the doctors, nurses and staff who show up and care for us every day. You all are the center of everything we do. Congratulations to all of our recipients—you’ve earned every bit of it.” Included in the recipients was Pocahontas Memorial Hospital, which received$1,978,000. The grant funding will be used to modernize communications systems and infrastructure upgrades including a new roof and HVAC system.