Saturday, April 26, 2025
4/26/2025
MERCER COUNTY COALITION FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES - Mercer County, located in the southern region of West Virginia, is one of the most geographically diverse and complex of West Virginia’s 55 counties. According to 2022 Census estimates, there are 58,700 residents (2,000+ decline since 2018), with 7,045 families with children under 18 years of age. Much of the county is rural (41%) and it sits within the heart of Appalachia. Despite a rich history, close-knit community, and scenic beauty, Mercer County faces significant challenges. Long term economic hardships have contributed to multi-generational substance use and poverty; geographic isolation; inadequate public transportation; an overload of social and economic services systems; and a lack of opportunities and little hope. According to County Health Rankings, Mercer County is one of the least healthy counties in West Virginia, coming in 49 out of 55 counties. Due to its location in rural southern region of West Virginia, Mercer County is one of the most geographically diverse and complex of West Virginia’s 55 counties. According to 2022 Census estimates, there are 58,700 residents, with 7,045 families having children under 18 years of age. Approximately 13% of Mercer residents are ages 15-24 and 11% are ages 5-14, predominantly identifying as Caucasian (92%), with a small African American population (6.3%), and Other (2.3%). Over 12% of Mercer County youth currently experience housing issues, consisting of lacking a permanent residence or homelessness as reported by the 2023 County Health Rankings report. Compounded by housing insecurities, 26% of youth live below the federal poverty line, 56% are eligible for free or reduced school lunch, and 3% have no medical insurance. Mercer County household ranks in the bottom in health and economic statistics (median household income is almost 30% lower than national average), and youth arrest rate is an alarming 11%. In Mercer County, ‘community norms’ and ‘social acceptance’ are common reported factors (as evidenced by the Pride Survey and WV DHHR Epidemiology Reporting). Addressing these youth substance use root causes will be the focus on the current 12-Month Action Plan, which will not only further build on previous assessment data collected but will be used to further create progressive actionable goals in years 7-10. To address Goal One, MCCHC will be working to increase collaboration in the community through multi-sector, co-sponsored events, coalition youth and member training, increased use of environmental strategies and increased active adult and youth coalition members. To address Goal Two, the coalition will be using the Seven Strategies for Community Level Change to achieve this objectives, including; providing information on the risks of use; enhancing skills of youth and parents to prevent use; providing support through substance free activities; enhancing access to information and services in rural parts of the county; changing consequences through recognition of responsible retailers and the start of alcohol compliance checks; changing physical design through new nicotine and tobacco free signage; and changing policy through helping community partners institute nicotine/tobacco free policies.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).