Leaders and staff from state-run psychiatric hospitals in the region convened for three days at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, hosted by William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital in Weston. The 2026 Western Psychiatric State Hospital Association (WPSHA) Conference took place from September 1 to 3, focusing on care in publicly operated mental health facilities, as noted by the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities, which oversees Sharpe.
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During the conference, attendees exchanged experiences, discussed common challenges, and explored effective practices in mental health treatment, rehabilitation, and hospital management. Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital also presented at the event.
Patrick Ryan, Administrator of Sharpe Hospital, expressed the value of collaboration at such gatherings: "Bringing leaders and professionals together gives us the chance to share what is working, learn from one another, and identify new ways to strengthen the care we provide." He acknowledged the challenges faced by state psychiatric hospitals and emphasized the benefits of drawing on colleagues' experiences.
Health Facilities Cabinet Secretary Michael Caruso highlighted that the conference reflects a commitment to collaboration, education, and improving care quality. The event provided Sharpe Hospital with an opportunity to showcase its work and engage in broader discussions on the future of public behavioral health services.
The annual WPSHA meeting aims to foster relationships among member hospitals, enabling them to learn from each other’s successes and collectively address issues unique to state-run psychiatric care. More information about WPSHA can be found on its website. Additionally, My Buckhannon reported in June 2024 that Sharpe plans to launch an acupuncture detoxification pilot program for patients.