(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Gov. Patrick Morrisey arrived in Welch, W.Va., this week with a determination to let the people of McDowell County know they have not been forgotten. In addition to announcements regarding money for other parts of the state, Morrisey touted the awarding of $1 million to address sewer system deficiencies in Bradshaw, in McDowell County.

“Every man, woman, and child should have access to safe, clean drinking water,” Morrisey said. “Every business owner should have the opportunity to operate in a town with modern utilities, and every county should be part of our state success story. Please know that we’re only getting started.”

Speaking not just about basic human necessities, but about recovery from devastating storms and flooding in the region, Morrisey said “We know that there are a lot of long-term challenges facing this area, but my heart goes out to all the people here, and you’ll find that your governor is going to keep coming back again and again,” Morrisey said. “There should never be a forgotten place in the state of West Virginia for any of our brothers and sisters.”

Wonderful words. Let’s hope Morrisey means them.

Our southern coalfield counties have been forgotten for longer than many people can remember as they faced changes in the industry that sustained them (after having been assured for generations that industry was all they would ever need), and a monstrous substance abuse epidemic also fueled in part by far-off large corporations.

McDowell County is not just the poorest in the state, it is the 16th poorest in the country, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Its median household income is an astounding 40.7% below the state median. At one point, it had the highest drug-related death rate of any county in the country. It is classified as a food desert. Its school system was under state control for 12 years (though that ended in 2013). The “long-term challenges” are many. And some of its neighboring counties in the region are not doing much better.

So what can be done? We can start by latching on to the hope held by some of those who still live in the region that things can and will get better. And then, instead of just telling them they must remain defined by what they have been, we start rewriting southern West Virginia’s future.

After that, Morrisey must keep his word, with the aim of bringing hope by remembering them in economic development and infrastructure conversations, supporting education and healthcare efforts, revitalizing food and wellness establishments … and, yes, being there when they need us after natural disasters. They deserve it. They deserve to be remembered.

If we can make such change in the southern coalfields, it lifts ALL of West Virginia.

“Folks have stepped up for their communities, and for that and for all the people that are here, I want to say thank you,” Morrisey said Tuesday.

They’ve stepped up for themselves. Now, it’s our turn.