Press Conference Highlighting How Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Health Care, Food Assistance, and Education in McDowell County

For Immediate Release: April 3, 2025

Contact: Vivian Anderson, (304)-585-7413 

McDowell County, WV— One of West Virginia’s most economically challenged and rural counties is bracing for the devastating impact of federal budget cuts, which threaten essential programs and the already fragile health care infrastructure that serves the region. The proposed cuts would drastically reduce funding for health care, food assistance, education, and housing, leaving McDowell County residents—many of whom already face significant economic and health disparities—even more vulnerable. 

“These cuts will hit McDowell County harder than almost anywhere else in the state,” said Loretta Young, State President, West Virginia NAACP. “We are already facing a severe shortage of health care providers, and many residents depend on Medicaid and rural health clinics for basic medical care. If these cuts go through, access to health care in McDowell will become even more difficult, leaving families and seniors without essential services.” 

Press Conference Highlighting Crisis 

West Virginia State NAACP, community leaders, health care providers, and advocates will hold a press conference to highlight the devastating impact of these budget cuts on McDowell County residents. Local voices will share firsthand accounts of how these cuts will affect their lives. 

• Date/Time: Monday, April 14 at 6pm
• Location: Jack Caffrey Arts and Cultural Center (143 Wyoming St., Welch, WV 24801)

Health Care at Risk 

McDowell County’s health care system is already stretched thin. As a rural community with limited hospital access, residents rely heavily on Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and community health centers to receive care. Federal budget cuts would: 

• Reduce Medicaid funding, potentially forcing clinics to cut services or close altogether; 
• Limit access to doctors and specialists, requiring residents to travel long distances for treatment;
• Jeopardize maternal and infant health services, worsening health outcomes in our county which already has the highest infant mortality rates in West Virginia; and
• Increase strain on emergency services, as more uninsured patients turn to emergency rooms for basic care. 

“We cannot afford to lose what little health care access we have,” said Vivian Anderson, Board President of Race Matters, Inc. “Many of our families, seniors, and children rely on these programs to stay healthy. Without them, people will suffer, and some will die from preventable conditions.” 

Other Programs at Risk 

In addition to health care, budget cuts threaten other essential services in McDowell County, including: 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – A vital food assistance program for low-income families. 
• Head Start & K-12 Education Funding – Crucial support for early childhood development and public schools. 
• Housing Assistance – Programs that keep families in stable housing and prevent homelessness.