A blog by Dr. Clay Marsh: A view from inside West Virginia’s COVID-19 response
The following blog, “A View From Inside West Virginia’s COVID-19 Response,” was written by Clay Marsh, MD, vice president and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences and West Virginia COVID-19 czar.
“It is great that so many national and international organizations and media are interested in understanding how West Virginia has responded so effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There has been a lot written about our decisions regarding local control of vaccines, West Virginia’s creation of a pharmacy vaccine network, and in our clarity and communication about our priorities.
“I think our culture in West Virginia contributes to our success, and the elements that are more visible simply reflect who we are.
“I think it is our culture. Our willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Our willingness to just be West Virginians together, and as Gov. Jim Justice says, ‘run to the fire.’
“I recently read a CNN piece about a rural county in Washington State that had not wasted a single dose of vaccine. Reading their story reminded me of ours – a bottoms-up implementation of a top-down set of principles and desired outcomes.”