Ballad Health dedicates Russell County Hospital board room in honor of late Virginia Sen. Ben Chafin
Ballad Health dedicated the Russell County Hospital board room in honor of the late Virginia Sen. Ben Chafin earlier this month during the hospital board’s regularly scheduled meeting.
Following his 2021 death, a generous gift was directed to Russell County Hospital’s foundation to honor Sen. Chafin’s legacy. This gift will be used to advance the foundation’s work to enhance hospital facilities and expand the hospital’s ability to serve the people of Russell County.
"Sen. Chafin was a staunch advocate for promoting healthcare access in rural communities like ours. His dedication to improving the lives of our patients, as well as his support of Ballad Health's mission, will be remembered fondly," said Greta Morrison, administrator and chief nursing officer of Russell County Hospital.
“Sen. Chafin understood that quality healthcare is not a luxury, but it is fundamental for a community like ours to thrive and prosper. The resources provided through his gift will enable us to enhance our facilities and elevate the care we deliver to patients in this community.”
In addition to his support for local healthcare, Sen. Chafin also cast a crucial vote to expand Medicaid in Virginia. His work helped ensure more Virginians have access to quality healthcare and has been instrumental in improving the lives of countless individuals and families across the Commonwealth.
Jack Simpson, president of Ballad Health Foundation, which oversees philanthropic efforts to enhance healthcare across the Ballad Health service area, also attended the meeting to recognize the profound impact of Sen. Chafin's memorial gift.
"The dedication of the Russell County Hospital board room is a testament to Senator Ben Chafin's enduring legacy of service and advocacy for healthcare access. He understood the importance of philanthropy and the impact it can have on ensuring his community has access to quality healthcare,” Simpson said.
“Sen. Chafin reinforced the importance of investing in our community's well-being and the role each of us can play in that endeavor. This gift, made in his memory, serves as a reminder of his unwavering support to make communities healthier and ensure healthcare is accessible to all.”
Sen. Chafin was first elected to the Virginia Senate in 2014, after representing the 4th District in the Commonwealth’s House of Delegates. A native of Russell County, Sen. Chafin practiced law throughout Southwest Virginia and was also the owner and operator of a beef cattle farm in Moccasin Valley. He was also a board member for First Bank and Trust Company, and he was a passionate and lifelong advocate for the needs of Southwest Virginia, from supporting jobs and education to fighting against the opioid epidemic.
