Thomas, WV – Recently, in front of a roomful of local business leaders, partners and civic leaders from around the area, Cortland Acres Director of Development, Dan Bucher unveiled Vision 2030: Leading the Way. He outlined the three distinct components to impact the area – – healthcare, residential services and wellness / conservation.
The healthcare component includes a standalone healthcare complex that would host a variety of medical specialties – some provided on a periodic or rotating basis and others provided through telehealth technology. It would also include collaborative agreements with in-state teaching, research and tertiary care institutions and collaborations nationally acclaimed health systems. These relationships would allow residents of Cortland’s expanded campus and members of the community to access the best possible care and enter various health systems remotely.
The healthcare component would also move away from the single structure, long-term nursing care model currently being used to smaller, independent, self-contained homes in order to create a more close-knit community of residents. Studies suggest that this model of care results in happier residents that stay healthy longer than traditional nursing homes. The original Cortland Acre facility may be renovated to become apartments with supportive services or licensed assisted living.
In Cortland’s Vision 2030: Leading the Way, the residential services component would include a variety of retirement homes – – and an employee residential community to be incorporated into the expanded Cortland campus. A wide range of amenities and services would be available along with home configurations and floorplans. The over-55 residential options include contiguous homes with an on-site concierge. This level of service also includes delivered meals, housekeeping, and transportation. It would also provide immediate staff support to individuals who may require some degree of personal services such as medication monitoring, meal preparation, bathing, etc.
The employee residential community consists of both single family dwellings and multi-family units. In addition to traditional rental agreements, joining Cortland’s team would now give employees a path to home ownership.
The final piece to Vision 2030 centers on wellness and conservation. Walking trails will meander through the expanded 145-acre campus and ultimately connect to downtown Thomas. Expanded greenspace with natural habitat supports conservation, helps control surface water and inhibits the spread of pests. Recycling will become a campus-wide practice. Pavilions located throughout campus will host a variety of outdoor activities and a second greenhouse would dramatically increase vegetable production to be used by Cortland’s various kitchens. In partnership with organizations such as WVU’s Agriculture Department, fresh fruit would be harvested from an orchard located on campus and used throughout the campus.
Another exciting piece of the conservation component is a 5-acre solar farm that has been estimated to produce as much as 75% of the campus energy needs with provisions to increase capacity as needed. Cortland maintains a visible commitment to conservation and renewable energy sources and the solar farm is simply another example of that commitment.
Finally, Vision 2030: Leading the Way includes a large event center that could accommodate 600 for auditorium seating or 400 for banquet events. This facility may be a recognized shelter in times of disaster or crisis for purposes of the Office of Emergency Management, FEMA and the Office of Homeland Security. It would include an emergency power supply and an inventory of disaster relief supplies including cots, Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), communication and other emergency equipment.
“Vision 2030: Leading the Way will require Cortland to expand from its current 35-acre campus to as much as 145-acres in the year 2030,” explains Bucher. “Cortland would become the largest employer in Tucker County with a workforce of over 250 and a budget over $25 million a year. This Vision is larger than any one person. So, what’s next? Some of the options described in the 2030 vision are in concept only. Others have infrastructure in place. And still others are waiting for those who embrace this Vision to say, I want to be a part of this movement, the community, and this life-changing opportunity. Cortland is prepared to Lead the Way.” As the American architect, Daniel Burnham said, “make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood…”
If you have any questions or would like to become involved in Cortland’s Vision 2030: Leading the Way, please contact Dan Bucher at (304) 463-4181 or email Dan@cortlandacres.org.
The Cortland campus includes a 94-bed long-term care facility, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and therapy options, as well as a variety of independent living opportunities. For more information call 304-463-4181 or visit www.cortlandacres.org.
