FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2026

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College has entered into a partnership with Community Care of West Virginia (CCWV) to provide students with expanded access to behavioral health services through Community Care’s network of locations across North Central West Virginia and telehealth services when appropriate. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting student well-being and academic success by increasing access to counseling and behavioral health resources.

Through the partnership, Pierpont students will be able to connect with Community Care of West Virginia for behavioral health services at locations throughout the region, providing an additional option for students seeking support.

“Supporting students means recognizing that their well-being is directly connected to their ability to learn, persist and reach their goals,” said Dr. Michael Waide, President of Pierpont Community & Technical College. “Our collaboration with Community Care of West Virginia strengthens our commitment to student success by expanding access to professional behavioral health services throughout the communities we serve.”

The partnership builds on Pierpont’s ongoing efforts to support student well-being and connect students with resources that contribute to their success.

“We regularly work with students who are balancing coursework, jobs, family responsibilities, and other demands,” said Nancy Parks, Assistant Vice President of Student Services at Pierpont. “Having Community Care’s services available in many of the communities our students already call home helps connect them with support when they need it and reinforces our commitment to their overall success.”

“Community Care of West Virginia is committed to partnering with organizations throughout the communities we serve to ensure people have access to the care and support they need,” said Trish Collett, CEO of Community Care of West Virginia. “We are proud to partner with Pierpont Community & Technical College and Dr. Michael Waide to expand access to behavioral health services for students. By working together, we can help remove barriers to care and support students’ health, well-being, and academic success.”

Community Care of West Virginia is a Federally Qualified Health Center serving nine counties in North Central West Virginia and provides primary care, behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, pharmacy services, and other supportive care services.

Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.

Media Contact:

Pierpont Community and Technical College

Office of Marketing and Communications

communications@pierpont.edu