PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — [June 30, 2026] — Highmark Health Options West Virginia (HHOWV) and Foodsmart today announced a new program to bring personalized nutrition care and food support to members across the state. The collaboration will initially focus on those with chronic conditions including, but not exclusive to, sickle cell anemia, hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, prediabetes, and obesity, as well as maternal health populations. The program launches July 1.
In West Virginia, where more than 40% of adults are living with obesity and approximately 12% have been diagnosed with diabetes, the burden of diet-related disease is among the highest in the nation, and a major driver of health care costs across the state. At the same time, many communities, particularly in rural areas, face persistent challenges with food access, affordability, and transportation, with some counties designated as food deserts. The result is a structural gap: even when members receive nutrition guidance, they often lack the support needed to turn that guidance into consistent, healthy meals.
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