Huntington, West Virginia – A new chapter in compassionate health care began this week as Marshall Health Network opened West Virginia’s first medical respite facility. The center provides a safe, supervised environment for unhoused individuals who need continued medical treatment after hospital discharge.
Why the facility matters
Unhoused patients often face a dangerous gap in care: after leaving the hospital, they lack a stable place to heal, leading to worsening conditions and repeated emergency visits. Dr. Adam Franks, medical director of the respite center, explained that patients with chronic illnesses, infections, or post‑surgical wounds frequently return to the streets, sometimes even to riverbanks, where their health deteriorates further.
“We’ve had patients discharged with a wound VAC attached to an amputated leg, only to find them on the riverbank,” Dr. Franks said. “When they come back for care, the wound is often worse, adding strain to our health‑care system.”
Services offered
The facility offers more than just a bed. It includes psychiatric triage chairs, medication management, and direct connections to community resources such as housing assistance and social services. By addressing both physical and mental health needs, the center aims to reduce hospital readmissions and improve overall outcomes for a vulnerable population.
Community collaboration
The project is the result of years of collaboration among local agencies, health providers, and charitable organizations. A needs assessment conducted by Dr. Franks identified a significant number of unhoused residents who would qualify for the respite services. Scott Raynes, president and CEO of Marshall Health Network, emphasized the broader impact: “The impact that will have here will resonate throughout the state because we’ve got something to prove. This gap‑filler is precisely what is needed.”
Local nonprofits and faith‑based groups have pledged ongoing support, reflecting the community’s commitment to caring for its most vulnerable members. The facility is expected to welcome its first patients on Monday, marking a milestone for both Huntington and the entire state.
Looking ahead
Officials hope the respite model will serve as a template for other West Virginia cities facing similar challenges. By providing a dedicated space for recovery, the center not only safeguards individual health but also eases the burden on emergency departments and hospitals across the region.
As the first of its kind in the state, the medical respite facility stands as a testament to what can be achieved when health care providers, community leaders, and compassionate citizens unite for a common cause.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
