Bridgeport, W.Va. – United Hospital Center (UHC) is proud to announce a $25,000 contribution to the Bridgeport Farmers and Makers Market, Inc., (BFM2) to support its upcoming 2026 season. This significant donation underscores UHC’s ongoing commitment to community health and wellness initiatives, ensuring continued access to fresh, local produce and educational resources for residents of North Central West Virginia.
The check was presented by Dr. David F. Hess, President & CEO of UHC, and gratefully received by Perris Reed, market manager of the BFM2.
This partnership reinforces a shared goal of creating a vibrant community gathering place and promoting healthy lifestyles, a core part of UHC’s community initiatives. The funds will support essential market operations and enhance programming. BFM2 serves as a crucial platform for connecting local farmers and artisans with consumers, thereby strengthening the local economy.
“Bridgeport is a beacon for health, fitness, and wellness in the state of West Virginia,” said Dr. Hess. “Our continued support of the Bridgeport Farmers and Makers Market is a natural extension of UHC’s mission to improve the health of our community members, offering a consistent environment for families to access healthy food and learn about wellness”.
Perris Reed expressed gratitude for the contribution, highlighting its impact on the market’s sustainability and reach. “This generous donation from United Hospital Center ensures we can continue to provide high-quality, local options to our patrons in the 2026 season,” said Reed. “It helps us expand our programming and makes healthy living more accessible to everyone in the area, while providing infrastructure to grow the market”.
BFM2, which combines the traditional market experience with a focus on overall wellness, is a key component of the collaborative efforts between UHC and the BFM2.
About United Hospital Center
United Hospital Center (UHC) is the result of a merger between St. Mary’s and Union Protestant hospitals in 1970. This bold move provides North Central West Virginia with a regional community hospital that offers a vast array of services. The new UHC opened in 2010 and is located along I-79 in Bridgeport. The 736,403 square foot structure rises eight stories. It is designed around the environment with patients, family, employees, and community in mind, which includes enhanced patient privacy, a high level of technological integration, and improved access to care. The acute care facility has 292 private inpatient rooms and a medical staff that consists of more than 366 physicians, advanced practice providers, and allied health.
