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5 Critical New Updates On The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department (KCHD) For 2025

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The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department (KCHD) is the vital public health agency serving the citizens of Kanawha County and the City of Charleston, West Virginia. As of late 2025, the department is at the forefront of several major initiatives and organizational changes, solidifying its role as a regional leader in public health. This year has brought significant developments, from key leadership announcements and the expansion of mobile services to an unprecedented contractual agreement that reshapes the public health landscape in neighboring counties.

The KCHD promotes health and safety through a comprehensive range of services, including disease prevention, environmental health regulation, and community wellness programs. Staying informed about the latest updates from the KCHD is essential for all residents, as these changes directly impact access to critical healthcare services, public safety measures, and the overall health of the community.

KCHD Leadership and Key Officials (2025)

The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department operates under the guidance of a dedicated leadership team and a governing Board of Health. This structure ensures accountability and strategic direction for all public health initiatives across the county.

  • Executive Director and Health Officer: Steven Eshenaur (Also listed as a Physician). Mr. Eshenaur provides the primary executive leadership, overseeing the department’s strategic goals and operational effectiveness.
  • Director of Operations: Doug Beasley. Mr. Beasley manages the day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the KCHD.
  • Director of Planning and Community Engagement: Julie Blackwood. Ms. Blackwood focuses on community outreach, planning, and ensuring the department’s programs align with the needs of Kanawha County residents.
  • Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health Members: The board provides governance and policy oversight. Current members include Arthur B. Rubin, DO (President), Jeremy Nelson, Paul Nusbaum, William Payne, MD, Danny Scalise II, MBA, MPH, CPH, and Stephen A.

The 5 Most Significant Kanawha-Charleston Health Department Updates

The year 2025 has been marked by several high-impact developments at the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. These updates reflect a commitment to expanding access, improving infrastructure, and taking on new regional responsibilities.

1. Unprecedented Contract to Absorb Putnam County Health Services

One of the most significant and recent developments is the announcement that the Putnam County Health Department will effectively cease its independent operations and contract its public health services with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. This move is a direct result of budgetary challenges faced by Putnam County, leading to the layoff of all 13 of its employees.

This contractual agreement represents a major expansion of KCHD’s operational footprint and responsibilities. It is an unprecedented step in regional public health management in West Virginia. The KCHD will now be responsible for delivering essential public health services—such as environmental health, vital statistics, and clinical services—to the residents of a neighboring county. This consolidation is expected to present both challenges and opportunities for efficiency in shared services.

2. Launch of the New KCHD Mobile Health Unit

The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department has welcomed a new Mobile Health Unit, a critical asset for expanding healthcare access to underserved communities within Kanawha County. This unit is a complete clinic on wheels, designed to bring essential public health services directly to residents who may face transportation or access barriers.

The Mobile Health Unit is integral to KCHD's strategy for community engagement and disease prevention. Its services typically include immunizations, health screenings, wellness checks, and potentially outreach for critical issues like the opioid crisis. The unit’s launch was a collaborative effort, involving representatives from the Kanawha County Commission, the City of Charleston, and state and federal officials, highlighting the importance of this resource.

3. Comprehensive Core Public Health Programs

The KCHD maintains a robust portfolio of core services that form the backbone of its mission to promote health and safety. These services are constantly being updated and refined to meet the current needs of the community.

  • Clinical Services: Includes immunizations, family planning, and general health screenings. The department's focus on preventive care is a cornerstone of its clinical offerings.
  • Environmental Health Services: This critical division handles restaurant inspections, water quality testing, septic system permits, and vector control (e.g., mosquito and rodent control), ensuring a safe environment for residents.
  • Epidemiology Services: Responsible for disease surveillance, investigation, and outbreak control, which is essential for managing infectious diseases and tracking community health trends.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Focuses on planning and coordinating the public health response to natural disasters, pandemics, and other public health emergencies.
  • Wellness Programs: Initiatives designed to promote healthy lifestyles, including programs for nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease management.

4. Addressing the Opioid Crisis and Harm Reduction

The opioid epidemic remains a critical public health challenge in West Virginia, including Kanawha County. While the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department previously implemented a Syringe Service Program (SSP) in 2015, that program was indefinitely suspended shortly after its inception.

Despite the suspension of the SSP, the KCHD continues to play a vital role in the broader response to the crisis. This includes tracking overdose data through its Epidemiology division, providing access to resources like Naloxone (Narcan), and collaborating with other county and state agencies, such as the WV Department of Health and Human Services, to support treatment and prevention efforts. The crisis necessitates a constant evolution of KCHD's strategy to address substance use disorder and its associated public health consequences.

5. Commitment to Transparency and Community Outreach

The KCHD places a high value on transparency and keeping the public informed. The department actively maintains a Press Room on its official website, where it publishes the latest news releases, public health columns, and critical alerts. This commitment is vital for ensuring residents are receiving timely and accurate information about public health news in Kanawha County.

Furthermore, the department utilizes its Mobile Health Unit and community engagement staff to ensure information and services reach all corners of the county. The KCHD’s efforts are part of a larger county-wide commitment, as evidenced by its inclusion in the Kanawha County Comprehensive Plan for 2025, which encourages collaboration with the Kanawha County School System and state departments to support child and youth health.

The Future of Public Health in Kanawha County

The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department is navigating a complex public health environment, marked by ongoing challenges like the opioid crisis and the need for continuous infectious disease preparedness. The recent contract with Putnam County is a pivotal moment, signaling a shift toward regionalized public health services and demonstrating KCHD’s capacity to manage greater responsibility.

The integration of the new Mobile Health Unit into daily operations will be key to improving health equity by increasing accessibility to essential services. As the department moves forward, its focus will remain on proactive health promotion, stringent environmental health standards, and providing reliable, evidence-based health information to all citizens of Kanawha County and the City of Charleston. Residents are encouraged to utilize the Press Room and follow the KCHD’s official communications for the most current service schedules and public health advisories.

5 Critical New Updates on the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department (KCHD) for 2025
kanawha county health department wv
kanawha county health department wv

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