​Community Care of West Virginia (CCWV) recently launched the FARMacy Program at their Rock Cave location. The FARMacy Pilot Program was initiated in the summer of 2016 in Wheeling, WV. The program came out of concern for the health of the population of West Virginia, which leads the country in chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
 
The idea for the FARMacy program at CCWV was presented by Jenna Ward, PA-C. Providers at CCWV have found there is a real connection between limited access to fresh produce and populations riddled with diabetes and similar issues.  “Our community struggles with chronic health conditions like diabetes and obesity. I tell my patients every day about the importance of good nutrition, but I felt like I could do more,” said Ward. “This program is our way of emphasizing how important it is for patients to focus on healthy eating. Their food is their medicine.”
 
The first FARMacy day was held on July 16, 2019 with eleven patients participating. CCWV’s Community Health Workers Kelsey Burgess and Lisa Fidler helped patients complete the pre-survey and paperwork and Ward provided patients with prescriptions for fresh produce. Patient education was provided by CCWV clinical pharmacist Nancy Bozic, PharmD, and WVU Extension Agent Becky Kniley. Local greenhouse owner Pati Espinosa, from Green Acres Farm, was on site with fresh produce to distribute to patients.
 
Trevor Haddix, CCWV management trainee, coordinated funding efforts. Local citizens and businesses, including A.F. Wendling, Annamarie Chidester, Atlantic Coast Pipeline, Buckhannon Rotary, Burgess Mobile Home Park, Loudin Insurance, Mary Gorman, Michael Cozad, Ralston Press, Inc., Raven Rock Networks, Sam’s Pizza, the Sign Guy, and United Contracting provided sponsorship for the program.
 
CCWV operates health centers, pharmacies, and school-based health centers located in Braxton, Clay, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Monongalia, Pocahontas, Randolph, and Upshur counties. In addition, they operate a dental clinic in Pocahontas County and provide behavioral health services throughout their service area.

​Community Care of West Virginia (CCWV) is pleased to announce the addition of Nathaniel Linger, MD, to their medical staff.
 
Dr. Linger, who was born and raised in Buckhannon, graduated with an undergraduate degree in biology from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He earned his medical degree at West Virginia University.
 
Beginning on August 5, 2019, Dr. Linger will be practicing family medicine at Community Care’s health center in Rock Cave. The addition of Dr. Linger to the staff will allow the clinic to offer extended hours of operation, increasing access to health care for the community.
 
According to Dr. Linger, he has always wanted to return home to practice. “I have always felt more comfortable in a small rural setting. I may be a little biased since I’m from the area, but I firmly believe that people living in and around Buckhannon and Upshur County deserve the same level of primary care as if they lived in a more metropolitan area,” said Linger. “I chose to specialize in Family Medicine because I enjoy being able to care for patients of all ages and develop relationships with my patients.”
 
Dr. Linger met his wife, Lorilyn, while they were students at Wesleyan. Outside of medicine, Dr. Linger enjoys hunting and fishing. He also enjoys playing music and plays mandolin in a bluegrass band called Blue Steel. He and his wife attend both Hampton United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church in Buckhannon.
 
Patients interested in scheduling appointments with Dr. Linger may do so online by visiting the website or by calling 304-924-6262.
 
CCWV operates health centers, pharmacies, and school-based health centers located in Braxton, Clay, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Monongalia, Pocahontas, Randolph, and Upshur counties. In addition, they operate a dental clinic in Pocahontas County and provide behavioral health services throughout their service area.