Coplin Health Systems Awarded Highmark WV Charitable Fund for Health Grant to Expand Oral Health Access in Wirt County

 PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (August 28, 2026) – Coplin Health Systems announced today that it has been awarded $115,796.42 from the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health to support the Wirt County Oral Health Access Initiative, a project designed to expand dental care capacity and improve access for children, families, and adults across the region.

The region continues to face significant barriers to dental care, including limited provider availability and transportation challenges. The grant will fund the addition of new dental workspaces and equipment at Coplin’s Wirt County dental site, enabling the organization to serve more patients, reduce wait times, and increase availability of preventive and restorative oral health services.

“This investment allows us to significantly expand dental services in Wirt County and meet a growing need for accessible, high‑quality oral health care,” said Rob Dudley, Chief Executive Officer of Coplin Health Systems. “We are deeply grateful to the Highmark WV Charitable Fund for Health for recognizing the importance of rural oral health access and partnering with us to strengthen care for our communities.”

“We believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every resident,” said Jay Sheehy, Highmark West Virginia President. “We are proud to partner with Coplin Health Systems to support the Wirt County Oral Health Access Initiative. By expanding dental services and investing in essential equipment, this project will remove significant barriers to care and we are eager to see the lasting, positive impact this will have on families across the region.”

Planning for the facility’s expansion is already underway, with project completion anticipated in 2027. Throughout both the planning and construction phases, families will continue to receive all current services without interruption. Children in Wirt County will also maintain access to care through Coplin’s mobile dental program, which provides on‑site services across the school district.