About the OVP Foundation
About Us
Our foundation was created in October of 2022 by the leadership of OVP HEALTH, led by the families of co-founders Robert A. Hess, M.D. and Stephen C. Shy, D.O. They intended to create a foundation that would fund initiatives expanding access to health care, basic necessities, and social services to individuals and communities in need within the OVP HEALTH service area.
For more information about the creation of the OVP Foundation for Healthier Communities, please click to read the Herald-Dispatch story.
Our Foundation Mission
Everything we do at the OVP Foundation for Healthier Communities is grounded in a commitment to four Core Values — Family, Community, Quality, and Integrity. Beyond that, we believe in the inherent value of all people, and that, as responsible health care providers, we have a duty to treat all people with the same quality, dignity and respect that we would treat our own family members.
As many of our patients face daunting physical, emotional, economic, and social challenges that impact their ability to live healthy and fulfilling lives, the OVP Foundation for Healthier Communities is focused on efforts to provide them with the resources and assistance needed to overcome their challenges and to improve their health status, as well as the health status of their families and communities.
Services Beyond Traditional Healthcare
The OVP Foundation for Healthier Communities helps with access to a wide range of additional services beyond traditional healthcare. We assist our communities to fight hunger, remove barriers to employment, fund transportation to medical appointments, and overcome many other challenges and obstacles.
We are committed to removing recovery roadblocks, supporting communities in crisis, and building community partnerships through our OVP CARES initiative. We help healthcare providers to ensure all needs are met within the healthcare setting and beyond.
Our Team
Sarah Walling
Sarah Walling is President of the OVP Foundation for Healthier Communities. She has worked at OVP HEALTH as Chief Legal Officer since February 2022 and will continue to hold that position while presiding over the Foundation. Before joining OVP HEALTH, Sarah practiced law for 12 years at the Huntington, WV law firm, Jenkins Fenstermaker. A dedicated community servant, she has served on the Board of Directors for numerous community organizations, including the Junior League of Huntington, Facing Hunger Foodbank, Ronald McDonald House Huntington, TEAM for West Virginia Children, Little Victories Animal Shelter, and CONTACT Crisis Center. Sarah is also active in local government as a member of the Huntington Planning Commission and as Vice Chairwoman of Huntington City Council representing District 4.
Velma Workman
Velma Workman is the foundation’s Director of Development and Community Engagement. She joined OVP HEALTH in the summer of 2020 as Operations Manager for OVP HEALTH’s outpatient center in Huntington, a position she will continue to hold while working for the Foundation. Before coming to OVP HEALTH, Velma worked for 12 years as the Development Outreach Coordinator of the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation, where she organized and executed fundraising events, cultivated new donors and sponsors, and maintained donor relationships. Prior to that, she served 22 years as Executive Assistant to the President at JP Morgan Chase Bank in Huntington.
Our Mascot!
Yes, the OVP Foundation for Healthier Communities has a mascot! Ovie P. Otter, a playful and loveable otter, represents the Foundation at schools and community events all across the OVP Health service area.
Ovie also helps make a visit to the doctor’s office a lot less scary for kids in pediatric primary care or pediatric behavioral health programs. We give each child a small, plush Ovie to keep them company while they visit the office.
So, why an otter? Well, otters love to swim in rivers, lakes, and streams, and all OVP health centers and offices are located in communities touching either a river, a lake, or a stream. Finally, if you have watched Facebook, YouTube, or Tiktok lately, you’ve probably seen tons of adorable otter videos. That’s because kids (and their parents) know that otters are cool! If you don’t know that, you OTTER!
