PHOTOS: Capito Highlights Eastern Panhandle Community Health, Economic Development, Education Investments During Visit

EASTERN PANHANDLE, W.Va. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), traveled to the Eastern Panhandle where she made stops in Martinsburg, Ranson, and Shepherdstown, W.Va.

First, Senator Capito traveled to Martinsburg, W.Va. to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Shenandoah Community Health (SCH) and tour the facility's recent expansion. SCH is a leader in clinical excellence in West Virginia, with one of the largest regional footprints. Senator Capito has been a long-time supporter of SCH and has secured numerous funding awards for the organization.

"It was great to be in Martinsburg to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Shenandoah Community Health," Senator Capito said. "SCH goes above and beyond to provide quality patient-first care to our communities. I am proud to support them in their mission to advance health center quality, improve access to comprehensive care, and deliver efficient patient centered care pathways to West Virginians."

"Over the years, Senator Capito has been a tremendous friend and supporter of Shenandoah Community Health. Whether advocating for the 340B program, supporting health center funding, or championing the needs of rural West Virginia, she understands how important community health centers are to the people we serve. Her leadership helps ensure that issues such as access to care, telehealth, rural health funding, and the future of 340B remain part of the national conversation. We are sincerely grateful for her continued support of Shenandoah and community health centers across West Virginia," Todd Lockuff, CEO of Shenandoah Community Health said.

Next, Senator Capito traveled to Ranson, W.Va. to visit Jefferson County Community Ministries (JCCM). While there, she received updates on a $300,000 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) award, which she helped secure for the facility in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). This funding will support a portion of JCCM's 'The Neighbor Project' to build permanent housing for low-income residents. This shelter will be the first localized emergency housing shelter for families in the Eastern Panhandle region.

Additionally, Senator Capito secured a $1 million CDS award in FY24 for Phase 1 of construction of Jefferson County Community Service's service center project.

"I am proud of the incredible work being done at Jefferson County Community Ministries, which provides essential housing and social services to the Jefferson County community," Senator Capito said. "JCCM is making an immense impact on the lives of West Virginians and am honored to have played a role in helping them bring their vision of a better, brighter future for our state to life."

"Jefferson County Community Ministries is rooted in the philosophy of Neighbors Helping Neighbors," Brooke Grossman, Executive Director of Jefferson County Community Ministries said. "Upon its completion our year-round shelter will not only increase our capacity to provide overnight emergency shelter but also expand our ability to provide vital day services. We appreciate Senator Capito securing a federal earmark to support his project."

Last, Senator Capito visited the construction site of the new athletic facility and cafeteria at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va. alongside new university president, Cam Wesson.

"It was great to join Shepherd University Cam Wesson today to see firsthand the progress being made on the university's new athletic facility and dining hall. These investments are about enhancing the student experience, supporting student athletes, and ensuring Shepherd University remains a place where students can succeed. I appreciate President Wesson's leadership and look forward to seeing the positive impact these facilities will have on the university and the surrounding community," Senator Capito said.

Earlier in the day, Senator Capito also met Berkeley County EDA Director Jennifer Smith for lunch where they caught up on local projects and needs for surrounding area.

Photos from today's visits are included below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) celebrates the 50th anniversary of Shenandoah Community Health in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Monday, October 19, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va. on Monday, October 19, 2026.

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