A state known for its coal mining, the United Mine Workers (UMWA) has been an influential segment of West Virginia history.

In the 1970’s during a push by the UMWA to improve the access to and quality of health care for its members, New River Health was one of the organizations which was founded. Opening in a former storefront in Scarbro, WV, with less than five full-time employees, NRH soon moved into a larger clinic facility.

Many of the founding fathers and mothers of NRH worked for the organization and/or served as Board members to insure business expansion.

Dr. Daniel Doyle, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, and his wife, social worker Linda Stein, joined Craig Robinson, a former VISTA volunteer who moved to WV, and UMWA members as the NRH central force.

Although NRH started serving patients for urgent care and general medical conditions, the business of health care evolved to include services such as cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation, chiropractic, women’s health, prenatal care and children’s health, management of chronic diseases, Black Lung services, pharmacies, counseling, dental health, in-school health centers, and medically assisted treatment (MAT). Today, 175 NRH staff members serve patients in three main locations with three pharmacies, two dental offices, ten school health sites, as well as numerous collaborations and partnerships with other quality health care entities in WV.

NRH strives to be an active community partner, and sponsors events and activities which promote physical fitness, wellness, and education.

CEO John R. Schultz describes NRH as a hometown oriented business, where patients know the staff and feel comforted by their care. “Employees have become part of a family-oriented organization, where we try to ease our patients’ apprehensions, respect their needs, and care for them holistically. Entire families come to New River Health throughout their lives. And, many of our staff retire from NRH. We look forward to continuing to serve this area as we grow to meet the needs of all patients,” said Schultz.