Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) today announced more than $88 million in funding to help nearly a dozen Appalachian school districts improve public health and enhance workforce development in their areas.

OFCC is awarding the funds as part of the Appalachian Community Innovation Centers Program, which was created in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly. The goal of the program is to create full-service centers for public education, community health services, and career development in Appalachia Ohio.

Superintendent Nash was notified on June 12, 2024, that the award-winning Buckeye Hills Career Center was awarded $10.5 million for a new, 17,326 square-foot Community Innovation Center that will house, develop, and expand upon multiple existing and new healthcare science pathways that will be utilized as a health science incubator by public and private partners, provide a free community access job programming site with educational supports, and offer free and reduced healthcare services while accepting Medicaid/Medicare to the community and schools. Ultimately, this project will eliminate several disparities across the area by adding a dedicated space for work-search and career counseling, a pediatric and adult dentistry office, along with physical and behavioral health services.

Jamie Nash, BHCC Superintendent stated, “The award-winning Buckeye Hills Career Center has served the communities of Gallia, Jackson, and Vinton counties for almost 50 years. We know learning means doing. We provide hands-on training for in-demand jobs, so our students can get to work and use their skills to change the world. From high school to adult education, our students are prepared to face any challenge that lies ahead. At Buckeye Hills, we work hard, think big, and find a way, because in Southeast Ohio, it’s what we do.”