cblack@newsandsentinel.com
ELIZABETH Wirt County is now considered “rural” by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy which will allow the county to be eligible for more grants and funding.
Wirt along with Boone, Clay, Hampshire, Lincoln and Preston are now considered rural.
“Based on the population and the amount of work in that area, they’re looking to make sure monies are going to appropriate locations,” said Sarah Barton, senior projects manager for Coplin Health Systems. “As we increase our awareness of the disparities that rural individuals face, people of color and some of these other groups face, the federal government is being more responsive to make sure that funds are made available to these populations.”