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Coplin Health Systems expands community commitment

By Sophie Wheeler 2 min read
Members of Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce, Coplin Health Services, Caperton Center, and Wood County Schools pose for a photo following the formalization of the new Partners in Education agreement. Front, from left to right, Jill Parsons, CEO, Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley; Rob Dudley, president & CEO, Coplin Health Systems; Dr. Jason Hughes, principal, Caperton Center for Applied Technology; Christie Willis, superintendent, Wood County Schools. Back, from left to right, James Liebau, marketing & events coordinator, Coplin Health Systems; Tracy Martin, COO, Coplin Health Systems; Julie Bertram, health services coordinator, Wood County Schools, Scott Miller, assistant principal, Caperton Center for Applied Technology. (Photo provided)

PARKERBURG - The Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley has announced a new educational partnership formalized under its Partner In Education program between Coplin Health Systems and the Caperton Center for Applied Technology.

The collaboration bridges regional career and technical education with local community healthcare leadership, creating opportunities for workforce readiness, career exploration and real-world learning for students preparing for high-demand technical and healthcare pathways, according to a press release about the partnership.

"Building strong bridges between our local business community and area schools is essential to keeping our regional economy vibrant and growing," said Jill Parsons, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley.

The Caperton Center for Applied Technology, situated on the campus of West Virginia University at Parkersburg, delivers advanced technical training, dual-credit coursework and career-oriented pathways designed to prepare students for seamless transitions into post-secondary education and skilled careers, said the press release.

Through this alliance, Coplin Health Systems continues its tradition of regional community investment by aligning clinical and administrative industry expertise with applied student instruction.

Coplin Health Systems, established in 1978, serves communities across Jackson, Meigs, Wirt and Wood counties. Operating numerous primary care clinics, dental facilities, behavioral health practices and school-based health centers, Coplin brings real-world healthcare insight to students exploring careers in public health, patient care, medical office administration and related support technologies.

"Coplin Health Systems has repeatedly demonstrated what authentic community leadership looks like. By partnering with the Caperton Center for Applied Technology, they are directly investing in our students with invaluable exposure to critical career pathways," said Parsons.

According to the press release, the Partner In Education program, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, fosters mutual growth and collaboration between businesses and schools throughout Wood County and neighboring communities. Partnerships provide schools with guest speakers, workplace mentorship, hands-on demonstrations and technical resources while giving businesses the opportunity to actively shape and inspire tomorrow's workforce.

Area businesses and community organizations interested in establishing a tailored Partner In Education relationship with a local school can contact the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley by calling 304-422-3588 or emailing info@movchamber.org.

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