WVU Medicine

The vast majority of people who overdose on an opioid will survive the experience. Yet scientists know little about how nonfatal overdoses affect the brain and cognition. WVU School of Medicine researchers Erin Winstanley and James Mahoney systematically reviewed journal articles that examined the topic. Overall, the studies supported a link between overdose, brain abnormalities and cognitive impairment, but more research—with more precision—is needed. Their findings appear in Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

As a new semester begins, West Virginia University is increasing services to address students’ emotional and mental health needs and promote the awareness of resources available.

West Virginia University is temporarily revising its masking guidelines. Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 18, and for the next 30 days, masks will be required for all those in classrooms, teaching and research labs on all campuses - regardless of vaccination status.

With a grant from the National Institutes of Health, Samantha Minc, M.D., vascular surgeon and researcher at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, is launching a pilot program to prevent amputations in West Virginia. Given that West Virginians face a disproportionate number of risk factors for amputations, the program could save many lives.

West Virginia University is providing additional guidance to students, faculty and staff as campuses prepare to fully reopen for the fall 2021 semester. WVU’s highest priority is to offer a fully in-person, on-campus academic and student experience this fall. As always, the safety of students, faculty, staff and guests will continue to be an important guiding factor.

Despite the enduring challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, West Virginia University alumni and friends contributed a record $270.1 million to the WVU Foundation in fiscal year 2021 to benefit meaningful education, research and outreach activities at WVU.

Following a year of missed traditions and celebrations, West Virginia University will welcome new and returning students to its campus in Morgantown with an array of in-person activities that will allow students to reconnect and find their place and purpose.

As West Virginia University prepares to welcome students, faculty and staff back to campus, the University has updated its COVID-19 guidance for the Fall 2021 semester, including testing requirements.

With recent decreases in COVID-19 cases across the country and the knowledge that COVID-19 vaccines are extremely safe and effective, West Virginia University now plans to fully reopen its campuses this fall.

Cancer fosters bittersweet connections. Virtually everyone has felt its devastating impact one way or another – including West Virginia University alumnus Pete Zulia, who lost his father to lung cancer more than 25 years ago.