SENATE RESOLUTION 30

(By Senators Takubo, Hamilton, and Caputo)

[Introduced February 7, 2024]

Designating February 8, 2024, as West Virginia Hospital Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, Hospitals support the needs of patients and their local communities; and

Whereas, West Virginia hospitals provide a range of services for the residents of the Mountain State and surrounding states, including acute care and specialty medical services, behavioral health, psychiatric and substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation care, pediatric care, and more; and

Whereas, Hospitals welcome nearly 16,000 newborns annually and account for 300,000 inpatient stays; 5.6 million outpatient visits; almost 900,000 emergency department visits and 5.6 million outpatient visits; and     

Whereas, Hospitals are among the top employers in West Virginia employing nearly 53,000 people, and are the largest component of the health care sector, supporting $12.5 billion in economic activity to our state’s economy; and

Whereas, Every employee is an important piece of the puzzle that makes up the remarkable hospital field in the Great State of West Virginia and contributes to the mission of providing excellent care and interacting with their patients; and

Whereas, West Virginia hospitals are foundational economic pillars and economic engines in communities throughout West Virginia; and 

Whereas, Whether it’s a trend toward outpatient services, new technology, or a greater emphasis on care coordination, the foundation of our hospitals rests on a mission that focuses on the patient, and recognizes the important place that hospitals hold in our local community; and

Whereas, West Virginia Hospital Day at the Capitol gives us the opportunity to recognize all our hospitals and health care professionals; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 8, 2024, as West Virginia Hospital Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of the West Virginia Hospital Association.