Roane General Hospital Takes a Lead in West Virginia's Tri-Share Child Care Initiative

Roane General Hospital Joins the Tri-Share Initiative

Roane General Hospital, based in Spencer, West Virginia, has stepped up to support families in its community by becoming the first hospital system in the state to take part in the innovative Tri-Share Child Care program. This initiative, announced on August 14, 2025, is aimed at improving access to affordable childcare for working families in Roane and neighboring counties. The hospital’s commitment was shared during an event attended by local leaders and community members, marking a significant development in the local healthcare and economic landscape.

Understanding the Tri-Share Program

The Tri-Share Child Care program, managed by the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and powered by Wonderschool, operates on a unique cost-sharing model. This system divides the financial responsibility for childcare among parents, employers, and the state, significantly lowering the childcare expenses for families. The goal is to ease the burden of childcare costs, which often makes it difficult for parents to balance their work and family responsibilities effectively.

Doug Bentz, CEO of Roane General Hospital, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "Retention of our staff is without a doubt our top priority. You can't have a conversation about keeping great people without talking about childcare. This program allows us to cost-share with our employees, helping them balance their professional and personal lives while strengthening our community," he stated.

According to David McCutcheon, director of PATCH 21, a local child care initiative, this program is essential in West Virginia, where access to daycare services is quite limited, often described as a daycare desert. He asserted that the Tri-Share program not only secures safe childcare for children but also demonstrates a commitment from employers to support their working parents.

Impact on Employees and Community

The Tri-Share initiative has already shown promise as some employees of Roane General Hospital have begun to enroll their families in licensed childcare services through the Wonderschool platform. Amy Downey, CFO of the hospital, noted, "We've approved our first two employee families and have many more in the pipeline. The Wonderschool platform is simple, user-friendly, and flexible—employees can choose any provider, not just one specific center. The savings can mean hundreds, even thousands, of dollars back in our employees' pockets."

This remarkable cost-sharing approach enables employees to reduce their childcare expenses by an impressive 50% to 70%. Jason Moss from Wonderschool highlighted the broader implications of this initiative, stating that it is a win-win-win situation for employers, childcare providers, and employees alike. The program not only aids in talent retention for employers but also offers financial stability to childcare providers, while allowing employees to enjoy significant savings on childcare costs.

A Growing Network of Support

Roane General Hospital is not alone in this venture. The Tri-Share program has garnered the participation of various employers across the state, including organizations like Ellis Insurance, Fort Hill Child Development Center, and others. This growing network underscores the urgency of addressing childcare accessibility in West Virginia.

Community leaders and state officials have echoed the importance of such initiatives in breaking down barriers that working parents face in securing affordable childcare.

As this program continues to grow, it sets a powerful precedent for how employers can actively participate in solving childcare crises within their communities. By investing in their employees, Roane General Hospital not only supports its workforce but also enhances the overall well-being of families in West Virginia. With ongoing efforts from both the state and local businesses, the Tri-Share initiative represents a pivotal step towards addressing a significant challenge many families face today.

In conclusion, the Tri-Share Child Care initiative is a transformative program that showcases how collaboration among employers, employees, and the state can create sustainable solutions for families. With Roane General Hospital leading the way, hopes are high for similar programs across the country, ensuring that quality childcare becomes accessible to everyone.