WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals has launched the third year of its FARMacy WV program, continuing a partnership with FARMacy WV and Crichfield Farms that helps patients improve their health through fresh food, nutrition education and community support.
The 15-week program, which began June 24, serves Thomas Hospitals patients living with prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and heart disease.
Participants receive a weekly prescription from their health care provider for fresh fruits and vegetables that they can redeem at a local farmers market, according to program organizers. They also attend weekly nutrition and cooking classes led by the WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program to help them build healthy eating habits that last beyond the program.
Health care providers monitor participants throughout the program by measuring hemoglobin A1c levels, cholesterol, weight and blood pressure. Participants also complete surveys before and after the program to measure changes in food security, eating habits, fruit and vegetable consumption and other health behaviors.
"We're excited to bring FARMacy WV back for a third year because we have seen firsthand the difference it can make in our patients' lives," said Dr. Greg Rosencrance, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals. "By connecting patients with healthy foods, nutrition education, and community resources, we're helping them take meaningful steps toward better health. The results we have seen over the past two years reinforce that food can be a powerful tool in preventing and managing chronic disease."
Thomas Hospitals introduced the program in 2024 with 15 participants. According to the hospital, many of those participants lost weight, lowered their blood pressure and improved their hemoglobin A1c levels.
"FARMacy WV is about more than providing fresh produce—it's about empowering people to make sustainable lifestyle changes that improve their long-term health," said Amanda Cummins, PA-C, co-founder of FARMacy WV. "We're grateful to continue our partnership with WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals and build on the success we've achieved together. Every season, we see participants gain knowledge, confidence, and healthier habits that can have a lasting impact on their well-being."
Hospital leaders said the program combines healthy food with education to help participants take charge of their health while connecting them with local food resources and community support.
