DPNews@DominionPost.com
MORGANTOWN – Wellpoint brought its statewide “Repack the Backpack” initiative to the Morgantown Mall last Saturday, distributing hundreds of complimentary school supplies and health resources to students and families at the halfway mark of the school year.
As students enter the second half of the school year, having access to quality supplies remains essential for academic success. Worn-out or depleted materials can create unnecessary obstacles to learning, making it even more important to ensure students have what they need to stay engaged and focused.
Recognizing this challenge, Wellpoint’s Repack the Backpack initiative is designed to help students continue their education with confidence by helping families replenish necessary supplies mid-year, ensuring students can stay focused on their education without disruption.
“Our school support programs are about more than giving out school supplies. We are boosting kids’ confidence and promoting educational equity by ensuring more universal access to supplies for academic success,” said Tadd Haynes, president of Wellpoint West Virginia.
“Education is a critical social driver of health. As part of our ongoing commitment to the whole health of our neighbors across West Virginia, we are proud to offer supports and resources that empower students to concentrate on their learning, ultimately contributing to happier, healthier lives.”

Wellpoint, formerly known as UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia and a member of the Elevance Health family of brands, continues to provide the same high-quality care and community involvement that West Virginians have relied on for more than 20 years.
“Our name has changed, but our mission remains the same,” said Barbara Wessels, planning and performance director at Wellpoint West Virginia. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring West Virginians receive the essential health care services they need while continuing our deep-rooted community partnerships and support initiatives like Repack the Backpack.”