CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Following Governor Patrick Morrisey's announcement in McDowell County on November 4, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Health (DH), has opened applications for the Water Is Medicine funding opportunity. The program aims to expand access to water testing, filtration and installation training for households in McDowell and Mingo Counties that rely on private wells, springs and cisterns for their drinking water.
"Every family deserves safe water at home, and now it's time to put this investment to work," said Governor Morrisey. "We're looking for local partners who know these communities and can get testing, filters and training into homes quickly. When families are healthy, they can work, raise their kids and build their futures right here in southern West Virginia."
The funding opportunity seeks one or more organizations to deliver the program to at least 5,000 households. The $3.2 million investment includes up to $1.2 million through the West Virginia Rural Health Transformation Program (WV RHTP) and $2 million in State funding, available in two tiers:
- Tier 1: Up to $1.2 million in WV RHTP funding to provide water testing and filters matched to each home's results for at least 1,000 higher-priority households
- Tier 2: Up to $2 million in State funding to provide filters and training to at least 4,000 additional households
The selected organization(s) are expected to test household water, provide filters, train families to set up and maintain them, and confirm with follow-up testing that treated water is safe. Homes without running water or with unsafe water, along with households with young children or older adults, intend to be prioritized.
"The success of Water Is Medicine depends on the organizations carrying it out household by household," said Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh. "We need partners who can build trust with families, reach the homes that need help most, and make sure every filter is installed correctly and working. If your organization serves McDowell or Mingo County, we encourage you to apply."
Eligible applicants include public and private organizations, such as nonprofits, local health departments and institutions of higher education, that are registered to do business in West Virginia and can serve households in both counties directly or through partners. Priority will be given to applicants with strong local partnerships, the ability to reach high-priority households quickly, and a clear plan to help families keep their water safe over time.
“The Rural Health Transformation Program is built on the idea that the best solutions for rural communities come from the people who know them best,” said Alina Czekai, Director of CMS’ Office of Rural Health Transformation. “We’re proud to partner with states on practical, community-driven strategies that address local health needs, strengthen trusted partnerships, and create lasting improvements for rural families.”
Eligible applicants may access the active solicitation through the state’s procurement and grants management system at wvOASIS.gov. Interested organizations are encouraged to review the full material packet for detailed eligibility requirements, submission instructions, and key deadlines. Additional information will be shared through an upcoming AFA release webinar.
This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $199,476,098.72, with 100% funded by CMS HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS, HHS, or the U.S. Government.