Archive
Healthy Mineral coalition discussing wellness center
Facility could be similar to one recently completed in Hampshire County
KEYSER — The members of the Healthy Mineral County Coalition would like to see a wellness center in the county similar to the recently established Hampshire County Wellness Center in Romney.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do ever since I’ve been here,” Mineral County Health Department Administrator A.J. Root said during a recent coalition meeting.
“Hampshire County has one; Hardy County has one; why not us?” he said.
Noting that he has been talking about the idea with several people, he said the proposal “seems to be catching a spark” of interest.
He admits, however, that it is “still very much in the beginning stages.”
Coalition Chairman Dr. Wayne Spiggle commented on the success of the Hampshire County center, adding that it “gives you some idea of what can be done” with such an initiative.
Root said the ideal wellness center would include space for fitness programs, occupational rehabilitation, physical therapy and activities for the entire family.
At least one coalition member was a bit skeptical.
“If we can get a center like Romney has, then I’m all for it,” said Terry Stephens, who operates the privately owned Lifestyle Fitness Center in Keyser.
“The problem in West Virginia is not in getting the center, but it will be in getting the participants,” he said.
“West Virginia ranks dead last in terms of people who are members of health clubs.”
Root noted that the Hampshire County center has 900 participants.
“You have to know how to package it and keep an interest in it,” he said.
Like Hampshire County’s center, which is owned by the Hampshire County Development Authority but operated via a lease-purchase agreement with East Mountain Health Advantage of Winchester, Va., the Mineral County center would “have to be partnered up with someone,” Root said.
He has scheduled a meeting next week with Scott Mallery, director of the Mineral County Aging and Family Services, to discuss a possible joint venture, especially since the agency is discussing construction of a new senior center.
He also hopes to discuss a possible partnership with Potomac Valley Hospital or West Virginia University.
“We just need to see what we need, and go from there,” he said.
Contact Liz Beavers at lbeavers@times-news.com.
