This week, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey made a heartfelt visit to Welch, W.Va., aiming to send a clear message to the people of McDowell County: You are not forgotten.
Amid other announcements across the state, Morrisey highlighted a significant investment—$1 million to fix sewer system issues in the town of Bradshaw, part of a larger push to support long-overlooked areas in southern West Virginia.
“Every man, woman, and child should have access to safe, clean drinking water,” Morrisey said. “Every business owner should have the opportunity to operate in a town with modern utilities, and every county should be part of our state success story.”
He acknowledged the region’s painful history with storms, flooding, and long-term economic decline—but promised more help to come.
“There should never be a forgotten place in the state of West Virginia,” Morrisey added. “You’ll find that your governor is going to keep coming back again and again.”
These are powerful words. And now it’s time to turn them into action.
A Region Long Left Behind
For decades, southern coalfield counties like McDowell have struggled under the weight of an evolving economy and broken promises.
Entire communities were built around coal—only to watch the industry fade, leaving poverty, limited access to healthcare, and the devastation of substance abuse in its wake.
McDowell County is now the poorest county in the state and the 16th poorest in the nation, with a median household income 40.7% below the state average.
At one point, it had the highest drug-related death rate of any U.S. county. It’s also a food desert, and its school system was under state control for over a decade. Neighboring counties aren’t far behind in hardship.
These are not just statistics. They’re signs of communities crying out for real change.
What Comes Next Must Be More Than Promises
We need to do more than acknowledge the past—we must rewrite the future. That starts by believing in the potential of the people who never gave up on their home. Then, it means taking real, concrete steps to ensure they no longer feel forgotten.
Governor Morrisey and state leaders must follow through on every word:
- Invest in infrastructure and clean water.
- Promote new industries and job opportunities.
- Support healthcare, education, and local food access.
- Be present—not just during disaster response, but every step of the way.
The people of southern West Virginia have stepped up for each other, time and again. Now, it’s time for the rest of us—and our leaders—to step up for them.
“Folks have stepped up for their communities,” Morrisey said Tuesday. “And for all the people that are here, I want to say thank you.”
They’ve done their part.
Now, let’s do ours.
