453 Van Voorhis Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
(Top Floor)

Dentistry

453 Van Voorhis Rd, 
Morgantown, WV 26505

Environmental Health

Threat Preparedness

Clinical Services

1000 Elmer Prince Dr, 
Morgantown, WV 26505

453 Van Voorhis Road
Morgantown, WV 26505

Health Promotions

Some animals and insects, such as rodents, mosquitoes and ticks, can spread diseases to humans. Although these animals and insects are a natural part of the environment where we live, by minimizing our contact with them we can help to prevent the spread of disease.

Because it is not possible to remove ticks from the environment, try to keep them from biting and attaching to you. When you are out in wooded areas or in tall grass, wear repellent. When you return, check yourself for any ticks that tried to hitch a ride on you. If you do find a tick attached to you, remove it by pulling it straight out —

do not twist it — with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. If you find a deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) attached to you, contact your doctor. Monongalia County Health Department conducts 

 surveillance to monitor tick diseases, such as 

, like to live in trash piles, removing trash from your property is a way to control rodents. 

 requires all persons to have trash service or to take the trash to a landfill at least once per month. Because trash with food scraps will also attract other wild animals, such as raccoons, any trash stored outdoors should be kept in a covered and leak-proof trash container.

 need standing water to breed, removing standing water from your property, or at least around your house, will help to control mosquitoes. Any standing water — a bucket, an old tire, a pot or a birdbath can be a potential breeding area for mosquitoes. If you live in an area where there are mosquitoes, be sure to use repellents when you are outside to help keep mosquitoes from biting you. If you have any pets, make sure that your pets receive regular heartworm preventative. Monongalia County Health Department conducts mosquito surveillance to monitor 

 requires a property owner to properly dispose of any animals that die on their property. This is especially important if the dead animal is located in a creek or stream. Dead animals can also attract other animals, such as rodents. Properly disposing of dead animals helps to prevent the spread of disease.

Vector Control – Ticks, Mosquitoes, etc.

Members of Monongalia County Health Department’s 

program work to protect area residents from the harmful effects of substances known by the acronym 

 — Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear.

Radiation is used medically in X-rays and to diagnose and treat some conditions. It's also used in places that some might not expect, such as in household products such as smoke detectors, and in heavy industry to measure underground wells or pipelines. These devices are transported via area roadways that all citizens use.


Radiation can harm humans if it becomes uncontrolled or is used improperly. Members of Monongalia County Health Department’s 

 have undergone and continue to take training to learn how to conduct surveillance and detect different types of radiation in a variety of situations to help keep our community safe, as well as to respond to incidents that may occur. That includes learning how to treat radiation injuries in a network that includes WVU Medicine.


 also works with other partners to prepare for potential radiation emergencies, such as an event at a nuclear power plant or a lost/missing radiation source. The team continually works to build capability to support the response to those types of activities. This includes generating data that allows for mapping and making decisions about how to deal with potentially dangerous items.

 Monongalia County Health Department staff members, along with other community radiation responders, attend West Virginia University football games and other large-scale events to perform surveillance and to detect any radiation that may be on-site.
MCHD Threat Preparedness staff members also have participated in community radiation response drills, including one with West Virginia University in May 2019 involving a scenario on WVU’s PRT.

Team members have undergone training through a variety of institutions. These include:

The Counter Terrorism Operations Support (CTOS)

 of the Center for Radiological/Nuclear Training in Nevada; 

Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site

 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland; 

Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program 

Also, team members have taken additional training to learn how to combat chemical and biological attacks at the 

United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases

 to help carry out the duties of the Radiation Response Team. They include:

Thermo Scientific RadEye Personal Radiation Detectors 

Detects radiation and monitors total dose when worn on an individual.

 — Locates radioactive contamination on individuals and objects.

 — Locates radioactive sources and identifies specific radioactive isotopes.

 — Scans individuals or vehicles that go through portal for radioactive sources or contamination.

MCHD’s Threat Preparedness program also houses the

 West Virginia Northern Radiation Response Team

. We have a team of radiation specialists that can respond to incidents to assess and mitigate the radiation hazard as well as provide subject matter expertise and recommendations to responders as well as the public. Click 

 to find radiological data gathered by United States government agencies.


What to do in case of a radiation emergency

Radiation Response Team — CBRN

Nutritionists and registered dietitians provide nutrition assessments along with nutrition counseling and education for WIC participants. Nutritionists and dietitians also prescribe the WIC food package tailored to the individual participant’s needs. 

Nutrition information by category and child's age is available here

Nutritional Counseling and Education (WIC)

Naloxone HCL (Narcan) is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, a result of consuming or using one or more opioid-related drugs. 

In order for those struggling with substance abuse to receive help, they need to stay alive. The 

 provides naloxone distribution and training to any individual, groups or organization that are interested. If interested in naloxone or naloxone training, reach out to Joe Klass, Assistant QRT Coordinator, at 

 or 304-225-0264. Naloxone is also available 24/7 at 

 to watch a video on the importance of naloxone and how to administer it, and 

 to read a blog about why everyone should consider carrying it. 

The Monongalia County QRT also holds at least two Free Naloxone Day events at different locations around Monongalia County twice a year. The most recent Free Naloxone Day took place on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. 

Naloxone/Narcan

Monongalia County Health Department offers three levels of food safety training: food manager certification, person-in-charge training and food worker training.

Food worker training is required for all persons involved in preparing, storing or handling food in restaurants and other facilities offering food for sale to the public.

Class length is about 45 minutes. Registration begins 30 minutes prior to class. It's best to arrive early because seating and parking can be limited. A photo ID is required for registration.

The training costs $10 per year. Cards expiring in one, two ($20) or three years ($30) are available.

MCHD is pleased to offer online food worker training provided by StateFoodSafety.com. The course costs $20. It takes about two hours to complete and you must pass a test at the end.

 is the only online food service worker course we accept.  Please be sure to take the Monongalia County course.

Course registration will ask for the name and address of the facility or volunteer organization you work for, so it will be helpful to have that information available before you start. If you are not employed or not volunteering, please put N/A in those fields.

We now have three options for the Online Food Worker Training Course. Click on a link below to take the course that best suits your needs:

one-year certification valid in Monongalia County only ($20)

one-year certification valid statewide ($25)

two-year certification valid statewide ($30)

three-year certification valid statewide ($35)

Many employers and organizations ensure their workers comply with training requirements by sponsoring an onsite food worker course. MCHD is pleased to offer this service for groups of 20 or more.

The cost is typically $200 plus card fees. Please contact 304-943-7773 to schedule a course. 

We offer temporary food worker cards every weekday (except for holidays) from 9-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. Candidates must study informational sheets (available below) and then complete a 10-question worksheet.

Temporary cards cost $1 for each week issued. All cards expire the day of the next scheduled food workers class. Temporary card holders are expected to attend that class.

Download Temporary Food Worker Study Material

The Food Code requires a designated PIC to be in the food establishment during all hours of operation (2- 101.11(A)). The PIC is required to demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and the requirements of the Food Code. The Monongalia County Health Department's online PIC course is available with a fee of $65. You will have 30 days to complete the course once you create your account. It takes about four hours from start to finish and you must pass a test at the end. Please have the name and address of your food service facility available for the registration process. You may read about the course, watch a preview video and take the course 


The 2013 Food Code requires all food establishments to have at least one management level employee who is certified in food protection by passing an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited exam. Our Food Manager Training Course will help to prepare you to meet this requirement.
At the end of the course, we will proctor the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals CFPM exam. A score of at least 75% is required for certification.
The course costs $150 per person; this includes the exam fee. It is day and half in length, meeting from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. the first day. The second day from 8:30 a.m.-noon.
Individuals who are not fluent in English are encouraged to bring a translator. The exam itself is available in several languages.
Pre-registration with payment is required at least 21 days prior to the class. You must provide a photo ID prior to taking the test.
A one-year food worker card will be issued to all class attendees.

Well-qualified candidates can take the ServSafe exam without the course. A score of at least 75% is required for certification.
The exam-only option is $100; an optional study manual can be purchased at any time prior to the test for $25.
You must pre-register with payment no later than 21 days prior to the test date.
For testing purposes, arrive at 8:30 a.m. You must provide a photo ID prior to taking the test.
Onsite registration begins 30 minutes before testing times.
To pre-register, use the 

Food manager certification National Registry

The 2013 Food Code requires all food establishments to have at least one management level employee who is certified in food protection by passing an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited exam. Our Food Manager Training Course will help to prepare you to meet this requirement.

At the end of the course, we will proctor the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals CFPM exam. A score of at least 75% is required for certification.

The course costs $150 per person; this includes the exam fee. It is day and half in length, meeting from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. the first day. The second day from 8:30 a.m.-noon.

Individuals who are not fluent in English are encouraged to bring a translator. The exam itself is available in several languages.

Pre-registration with payment is required at least 21 days prior to the class. You must provide a photo ID prior to taking the test.

A one-year food worker card will be issued to all class attendees.

Well-qualified candidates can take the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals CFPM exam without the course. A score of at least 75% is required for certification.

The exam-only option is $100; an optional study manual can be purchased at any time prior to the test for $25.

You must pre-register with payment no later than 21 days prior to the test date.

For testing purposes, arrive at 8:30 a.m. You must provide a photo ID prior to taking the test.  Onsite registration begins 30 minutes before testing times.

Food Safety Training

 is the study of health and illness in the community and is considered the foundation of public health. At Monongalia County Health Department, our epidemiologists track infectious diseases, investigate and manage disease outbreaks, educate medical providers and the general public about illness in our community and teach how to prevent the spread of diseases.


When an outbreak occurs, our epidemiologists communicate with the facility or individual(s) to help track the disease and provide guidance on steps to work through the outbreak and prevent them in the future.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides extensive information about epidemiology on its 


The West Virginia Office of Epidemiology 

 to alert residents of infectious diseases that could be encountered close to home or on a trip.

The federal public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 

ended on May 11, 2023 and as a result CDC has updated the 

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

 To support healthcare workers in understanding and implementing the updated recommendations, CDC’s Project Firstline hosted a town hall in collaboration with the American Medical Association. Watch the 

Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR)

 tools are used to systematically assess a healthcare facility’s infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and guide quality improvement activities (e.g., by addressing identified gaps).

Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (DIDE)

The Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (DIDE)

, a program from the West Virginia Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services (OEPS), monitors and manages communicable diseases in West Virginia through technical assistance, investigation, education and prevention. DIDE is staffed by epidemiologists, physicians, nurses and other experts infectious diseases. DIDE provides consultation regarding infectious diseases and outbreaks and in collaboration with local health departments investigates and reports these diseases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DIDE also provides educational materials on identification, management and prevention of diseases to clinicians and the public.

Epidemiology/Infectious Diseases

There is no better food than breast milk for a baby’s first year of life. Breastfeeding provides many health, nutritional and emotional benefits to both mother and baby. Mothers enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program are encouraged to breastfeed their infants, unless there is a medical reason not to.

The WIC program supports breastfeeding in many ways. Specially trained counselors provide WIC mothers with breastfeeding encouragement, education and support. Members of the public can take advantage of free breastfeeding classes in each MCHD WIC county (see below for times and days) as well as a 24/7 app through the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network. Many WIC moms are eligible to receive or borrow breast pumps at no cost. Breastfeeding mothers are also eligible to participate in WIC longer and can receive enhanced food packages, if they breastfeed exclusively.

If you are interested in breastfeeding your baby, MCHD WIC can help.

for Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston and Taylor Counties:

Lynne Ryan, BA, IBCLC, Peer Counselor - Monongalia County 

Angie Rebrook, Breastfeeding Liaison, IBCLC, Registered Lactation Consultant - Harrison County 

Susie Boreing, Peer Counselor, Certified Lactation Counselor - Monongalia County 

Chrissy Rodeheaver, Peer Counselor, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, Certified Lactation Counselor - Monongalia County 

Ceranda Jones, Peer Counselor, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist - Monongalia County 

Brianna Lucas, Peer Counselor, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist -  Harrison and Marion counties,

Anna Ash - Peer Counselor, Doula, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist - Monongalia County 

MCHD WIC's retired breastfeeding coordinator. Lynne Ryan, now serving as a WIC breastfeeding consultant, conducted this breastfeeding class about 10 years ago. MCHD WIC offers free breastfeeding classes for all pregnant and new moms in its six-county region, which includes Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Harrison, Doddridge and Taylor counties. 

You can watch this video to learn more about breastfeeding. Clients also can get information from consultants via phone consultations and the Pacify app. Here is the schedule for free breastfeeding classes that are open to the public, including non-WIC participants: 

WIC breastfeeding classes are open to the public. Please call ahead to verify the class schedule.

 first and fourth Wednesday at 3 p.m., third Wednesday at 10 a.m.

 first, second and third Tuesday at 10 a.m.

 first and third Wednesday at 4 pm, second Wednesday at 10 a.m.

MCHD WIC maintains a limited inventory of manual and electric breast pumps. Only active WIC participants are eligible to borrow or receive a WIC pump, and pumps are issued based on need and availability. WIC does not fill pump prescriptions for insurance companies.

Most nursing employees are entitled to accommodations to allow them to breastfeed at work, via 

 Feel free to ask your breastfeeding counselor for more information. 

Breastfeeding

Our diverse team of highly skilled, experienced and dedicated professionals are collectively focused on the health and well-being of our community.

Events Calendar

 Immunizations

Lead Testing

Rabies Control 

Radon

Reproductive Health

Smile Express

STI and HIV

WIC/Breastfeeding

Accessibility

Online Inspection Reports

Resources

MCHD Threat Preparedness provides public health preparedness and response capabilities to protect the community from natural and man-made threats. Learn more about 

MCHD Dentistry proudly provides quality preventive, restorative, therapeutic and cosmetic dental care for children and adults in a caring, professional environment. 

MCHD WIC provides nutrition, breastfeeding support, health education and other services, free of charge, to pregnant women, mothers, infants and children up to the age of 5 who qualify. 

Environmental Health helps to protect the health of the citizens of Monongalia County by regulating the food, water, land, public spaces and businesses of Monongalia County. 

MCHD Clinical Services has served generations of Monongalia County residents with their medical needs, ranging including adult and childhood vaccines, cervical cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment and more. Learn more about 

Health Promotions centers on outreach and encouraging activity through the West Virginia Wellness Passport, as well as community partnerships to help tackle problems faced by area residents. Learn more about 

The mission of Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD) is to prevent disease, promote healthy living and protect our community.

Home

It’s that time of year again! Nearly 1,400 oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits were distributed in Morgantown on Wednesday, Aug. 12 by Monongalia County Health Department sanitarians.
Additional baits will be dropped from airplanes around rural areas in Monongalia County in mid-to-late August, as Monongalia County Health Department and the USDA continue efforts to reduce

 incidents.
ORV baits are dropped and distributed so that wildlife, including raccoons, will eat them and be inoculated against rabies, a deadly viral disease that infects mammals.
The 

 drops ORV baits from fixed-wing aircraft in zones across the East Coast, including Monongalia County.
“We distribute the baits in conjunction with the USDA to make sure we keep that line of rabies from spreading out west,” said Jennifer Costolo-Michael, MCHD Environmental Health program manager.
Areas of focus for the sanitarians will be along the rail-trail and in Krepps, Marilla and White parks, as well as the grassy areas around the WVU Coliseum. A total of around 8 million ORV baits will be distributed in 16 states, Costolo-Michael said.
This process has become very popular in the past several years. It was reintroduced into the area in 2019, when Monongalia County reported 20 rabies cases.
The USDA creates new grids each year to target, and in 2019, the line had moved west of most of Monongalia County.
But when the rabies cases started ticking up early that year, MCHD officials met with the USDA Animal Plant and Inspection Service (APHIS) staffers based in Elkins to ask for help. Not only was the line moved back east, but baits were also given to MCHD sanitarians to distribute by hand.
“This has really been a game changer for rabies cases in Monongalia County,” Costolo-Michael said. “Since this started taking place, we might see one or two a year. This year, we have no reported rabies cases.”
The program has become so popular that when a rabies case does occur, MCHD sometimes receives personal requests to have baits dropped in a specific neighborhood or yard.
However, “We have to follow the timing and the grids that are set forth by the USDA,” Costolo-Michael said. “We always get the baits in mid-to-late August and we follow specific maps that we are given.”
Monongalia County Health Department also works to get the word out for individuals who might find the baits while out, especially if they are with their pets.
“These baits won’t harm dogs, but it could cause an upset stomach if your pup gobbles up a lot of them,” Costolo-Michael said.
For dog walkers and other individuals who find baits, don gloves if you can and move them off of the path and into a more grassy or wooded area where raccoons and other wildlife will find them.
According to Chelsea Hartley, rabies technician with USDA APHIS, baits will be dropped by helicopter along the Ohio River and Northern Panhandle from Aug. 13-18. Then, more baits will be dropped from airplanes in other rural areas of West Virginia from Aug. 25 to Sept. 4.
“All of these dates are approximate and dependent on weather and other variables,” Hartley said.
No other West Virginia health departments hand distribute baits around their areas, with other baiting operations being conducted by APHIS staff, Hartley added.
Rabies attacks the brain and nervous system, ultimately causing death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov). Mammals, including people, can be infected via the saliva of a rabid animal through a bite or a scratch.
As the disease progresses, symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (an increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing and fear of water. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.
In West Virginia, 

 requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be up to date on rabies vaccines.
The baits seem to be pretty popular with wildlife, as they are consumed promptly.
“They are usually eaten within four days and will be gone in a week,” Costolo-Michael said. “The wildlife will eat them up.”

Mary Wade Burnside is the public information officer at Monongalia County Health Department.

MCHD sanitarians distribute baits around Morgantown on Wednesday

 Mary Wade Burnside
Public Information Officer | Monongalia County Health Department
Morgantown, WV 26505 (304) 598-5152 | www.monchd.org MaryWade.Burnside@wv.gov

 — It’s that time of year again! Nearly 1,400 oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits will be distributed in Morgantown on Wednesday and Thursday (Aug. 12 and 13) by Monongalia County Health Department sanitarians.
Additional baits will be dropped from airplanes around rural areas in Monongalia County in mid-to-late August, as Monongalia County Health Department and the USDA continue efforts to reduce rabies incidents.
ORV baits are dropped and distributed so that wildlife, including raccoons, will eat them and be inoculated against rabies, a deadly viral disease that infects mammals.
The United States Department of Agriculture drops ORV baits from fixed-wing aircraft in zones across the East Coast, including Monongalia County.
“We distribute the baits in conjunction with the USDA to make sure we keep that line of rabies from spreading out west,” said Jennifer Costolo-Michael, MCHD Environmental Health program manager.
Areas of focus for the sanitarians will be along the rail-trail and in Krepps, Marilla and White parks, as well as the grassy areas around the WVU Coliseum. A total of around 8 million ORV baits will be distributed in 16 states, Costolo-Michael said.
This process has become very popular in the past several years. It was reintroduced into the area in 2019, when Monongalia County reported 20 rabies cases.
The USDA creates new grids each year to target, and in 2019, the line had moved west of most of Monongalia County.
But when the rabies cases started ticking up early that year, MCHD officials met with the USDA Animal Plant and Inspection Service (APHIS) staffers based in Elkins to ask for help. Not only was the line moved back east, but baits were also given to MCHD sanitarians to distribute by hand.
“This has really been a game changer for rabies cases in Monongalia County,” Costolo-Michael said. “Since this started taking place, we might see one or two a year. This year, we have no reported rabies cases.”
The program has become so popular that when a rabies case does occur, MCHD sometimes receives personal requests to have baits dropped in a specific neighborhood or yard.
However, “We have to follow the timing and the grids that are set forth by the USDA,” Costolo-Michael said. “We always get the baits in mid-to-late August and we follow specific maps that we are given.”
Monongalia County Health Department also works to get the word out for individuals who might find the baits while out, especially if they are with their pets.
“These baits won’t harm dogs, but it could cause an upset stomach if your pup gobbles up a lot of them,” Costolo-Michael said.
For dog walkers and other individuals who find baits, don gloves if you can and move them off of the path and into a more grassy or wooded area where raccoons and other wildlife will find them.
According to Chelsea Hartley, rabies technician with USDA APHIS, baits will be dropped by helicopter along the Ohio River and Northern Panhandle from Aug. 13-18. Then, more baits will be dropped from airplanes in other rural areas of West Virginia from Aug. 25 to Sept. 4.
“All of these dates are approximate and dependent on weather and other variables,” Hartley said.
No other West Virginia health departments hand distribute baits around their areas, with other baiting operations being conducted by APHIS staff, Hartley added.
Rabies attacks the brain and nervous system, ultimately causing death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov). Mammals, including people, can be infected via the saliva of a rabid animal through a bite or a scratch.
As the disease progresses, symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (an increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing and fear of water. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.
In West Virginia, state code requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be up to date on rabies vaccines.
The baits seem to be pretty popular with wildlife, as they are consumed promptly.
“They are usually eaten within four days and will be gone in a week,” Costolo-Michael said. “The wildlife will eat them up.”


Oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait distribution taking place this week

Anna Ash, a breastfeeding peer counselor at Monongalia County Health Department’s 

 program, was very determined to nurse her son, Aden, who is about to turn 15.
During Ash’s pregnancy, her mother, who had been unable to breastfeed, told Ash that she probably wouldn’t be able to either.
“When somebody tells me I can’t do something, I usually want to prove them wrong,” Ash said.
She started doing research and learned that a mammary defect that can prevent breastfeeding can also be passed down.
“But that’s not always the case.”
She also learned the benefits of the practice, including how breastfeeding, especially with the initial milk that is called colostrum, lines a baby’s gut microbiome with healthy bacteria, setting them up for a lifetime of good digestive health.
And also how breastfeeding helps nursing moms by releasing beta-endorphins such as oxytocin that aid in relaxation, as well as in shrinking the uterus and getting the body back into the shape it was before pregnancy.
Ash was so pleased with her experience (more about that soon) that she ended up taking a job as a breastfeeding peer counselor with MCHD Women, Infants and Children's, part of the federal nutrition program that offers food counseling, food packages and breastfeeding guidance to qualifying pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and their kids up to their 5th birthdays.
“When the opportunity opened up to be a breastfeeding counselor, I took it,” she said. “I really enjoy being part of a team to help educate moms on their rights and the resources that are available to them, and how to successfully breastfeed their own children.”
Then, last year, Ash revived the Breastfeeding Awareness Walk, which MCHD WIC had previously participated in prior to the COVID pandemic. August is 

.
This year’s event will also be held at the Morgantown Market Place at 415 Spruce St., from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7.
Families can hold discussions and gather resources from a variety of groups that will have tables, “in case they might have missed a program they might qualify for,” Ash said.
They can also learn more about topics including breastfeeding in public and in the workplace, which has become easier with legislation that protects nursing mothers.
New activities this year will be a Mommy & Me yoga session under the pavilion, directed by Moonbow Wellness, and a table set up with pepperoni rolls, drinks and other goodies provided by Rolling with Mama D mobile food service.
The event culminates in a walk around the downtown block to raise awareness about breastfeeding. 

 financially for the program, anyone can take the

 for expectant parents that are offered at each of MCHD WIC’s six 

: Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Harrison, Doddridge and Taylor.
“We highly suggest that even if you don’t qualify for WIC, that people come in for those classes because you are going to learn a lot,” Ash said.
MCHD WIC’s breastfeeding counselors all have personal experience with the practice, training from a course provided by the United States Department of Agriculture as well designations of Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) and/or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
After all of Ash’s reading and preparation, her breastfeeding journey with baby Aden took a little detour when her obstetrician insisted she get a Depo-Provera birth control shot before leaving the hospital.
She didn’t realize that it would make breastfeeding more difficult initially because it affects the milk supply.
Ash continued to latch Aden to her breast and was able to get some milk out, supplementing with formula. She’d also use a pump to try to increase her supply.
“A month after he was born, I was finally able to stop supplementing with formula,” Ash said. “I was still combo feeding him, but predominantly, and by the time he was 3 months old, I was breastfeeding exclusively.”
Part of the motivation for continuing was the bond she felt with Aden when he breastfed.
“It was bigger than any feelings of love I had ever experienced before. That was before I knew that breastfeeding released oxytocin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone. I knew it just felt right to have him latching.”

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MCHD sanitarians distribute baits around Morgantown on Wednesday

Oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait distribution taking place this week

MCHD WIC provides breastfeeding help and event on Aug. 7 to raise awareness

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