Clarksburg requests $5000 for health access services amid rising uncertainty

During the Clarksburg City Council meeting on February 13, 2025, a critical funding request took center stage as health access advocates sought $5,000 to support essential medical services for the community. The request, echoing previous years' funding, highlights the increasing reliance on health access amid growing uncertainties at state and federal levels.

A representative emphasized that health access is not merely a clinic but a vital medical home for thousands of residents. "By funding health access, the city of Clarksburg is directly supporting its workforce, businesses, and economic stability," they stated. The funding aims to ensure that no resident has to choose between paying bills and receiving necessary medical care.

The discussion also touched on the successful acquisition of $60,000 from Harrison County's opioid recovery initiatives, which allowed the organization to hire a full-time dentist. This move is crucial as dental pain can lead individuals in recovery back to opioid use, underscoring the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.

The meeting also briefly mentioned the organization's growth since its incorporation as a nonprofit in 2016, including efforts to educate the community about local history and heritage. The council's support for health access funding is seen as a pivotal step in maintaining the health and well-being of Clarksburg's residents, ensuring they remain healthy, working, and contributing to the community.