The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has granted Marshall University Research Corporation $1.5 million to launch a business incubator called the Appalachian Hatchery and $1.3 million to train community health workers in coal communities.
These are just two examples of 28 recent awards totaling $26 million spread across five states in the Appalachian region Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative.
According to ARC, the recent awards will train more that 7,300 workers in coal communities and retain about 2,500 existing jobs through numerous partnerships.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Evan Jenkins, representative from West Virginia’s 3rd District, has been instrumental in helping the region recover economically from coal’s downturn, according to the Huntington News.
Coal Communities & Jobs of the Future
Jenkins said Marshall University Research Corp.'s Appalachian Hatchery project uses existing businesses to help create jobs by providing support for advanced manufacturing technologies.
The incubator will serve West Virginia’s 20 southernmost counties, according to Jerome Gilbert, the university’s president, in a prepared statement.
“This program will allow us to bring our extensive service capacity to bear on those directly and indirectly impacted by the decline in the coal economy,” he said.
Manufacturers, entrepreneurs and individuals at the Hatchery will have the opportunity to learn about and adopt new technologies, like 3D printing. Continuing education, training programs and networking opportunities will also support the region’s economic development as it seeks to diversify.
“They are strategic, collaborative and impactful plans to make West Virginia and the entire Appalachian region more competitive in technology, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, broadband, health and a variety of other sectors,” said Earl Gohl, ARC Federal co-chair.
Coal Country & Healthcare
Marshall University Research Corp.'s health grant will train at least 26 new healthcare workers to improve care and treatment plans for high-risk patients with diabetes, congestive heart failure, COPD and other illnesses.
“Access to care is a critical issue in Appalachia. This grant will help train new community health workers, who will work hand in hand with local physicians and nurses to provide comprehensive care for patients. These funds will make a real difference in improving care and health throughout our coal communities,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins, alongside Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia -- who almost shutdown the government last month when he filibustered for inclusion of the Miners Protection Act in the final bicameral bill of 2016 -- advocates for legislative protections of coal miners’ healthcare.
