State Senator Ron Stollings, Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee, has fought vigorously for the advancement of primary care since he joined the West Virginia Senate in 2006. Very few legislators possess the knowledge and insight that Chairman Stollings brings to our Legislature on a daily basis regarding the challenges related to primary care and the solutions necessary to bring about successful health care outcomes. For proof of this, just ask his patients that he cares for every day, as well as the many West Virginia citizens that he proudly represents. "Having two physicians in my immediate family, I have seen, first-hand, the dedication that physicians have to their profession and their patients – what Senator Stollings is able to achieve is remarkable," officials presenting the award to Stollings said. "Chairman Stollings has consistently offered to champion the goals of the West Virginia Primary Care Association over the years, and we could not be more grateful for his continued dedication. Chairman Stollings served as Vice Chair of the Health and Human Resources Committee recently, during times of health care reform in West Virginia, as he recognized that changes were necessary to improve our health care system. He worked tirelessly to help draft legislation that would improve health care outcomes throughout the state. He has chaired Subcommittees that studied topics such as oral health, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, access to care, behavioral health, the medical home concept, and countless other vital health care issues." During his current tenure as the Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee, Senator Stollings (D-Boone) was the lead sponsor of the Senate version of the Provider Sponsored Network Act. "Chairman Stollings advocated for this legislation with other legislators on our behalf during the 2012 Legislative Session, educating others about the value that a provider sponsored network would have in West Virginia," officials said. "He also spoke in favor of the bill on the floor of the Senate, urging his fellow Senators to pass this legislation, which they did. He continues to fight for the goal of the PCA at the Legislature, and we are thankful for the opportunity to present to Senator Ron Stollings with the West Virginia Primary Care Association 2012 Distinguished Community Health Champion Award."