West Virginia Society for Healthcare Engineering

04/27/2026

Less than two weeks away from our Spring Educational Event, we have some great presentations lined up you. Days Inn Conference Center, Flatwoods WV. Hope to see you there! See attached Agenda.

04/10/2026

David is one of the best in the business!

✨Employee Spotlight: David Lowe✨

From humble beginnings just outside Clendenin, West Virginia, David Lowe has built a remarkable career rooted in dedication, craftsmanship, and care for others. Starting more than 40 years ago as a laborer at Charleston Area Medical Center, David quickly developed skills across multiple trades - from painting and drywall finishing to becoming a Licensed Master Plumber. His journey through facility maintenance and working alongside architects shaped a deep understanding of how healthcare environments function behind the scenes.

Working in a children's hospital left a lasting impact. Seeing young patients face difficult moments inspired David to find small ways each day to bring comfort and a smile to those around him - a mindset he carries with him to this day.

Now serving as a Program Manager with the Life Safety Program in the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification, a division of the Office of Inspector General, David plays a critical role in reviewing plans and ensuring healthcare facilities are safe, complaint, and ready to care for those who need it most. Every drawing he reviews is personal - he approaches his work with the mindset that it could one day impact his own family.

What stands out most is his unwavering commitment to people. Whether ensuring safe spaces for care, supporting colleagues, or continuing to grow in his field, David's work reflects a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. His career goal is simple yet powerful - to make a difference in the lives of the people he encounters - and he lives that mission every day.

Through his work, individuals and families across West Virginia can trust that the places they turn to for care are held to the highest standards of safety and quality. That impact reaches far beyond blueprints - it touches real lives.💙💛

03/23/2026

Huge shout out to Fellow Member, Michael Green for Achieving his SRMECH, Senior MECH certification through and the American Hospital Association! Way to go Michael!

03/14/2026

We are looking for Presenters for our Spring Educational Event! At the Days Inn Conference Center, 350 Days Drive, Sutton, West Virginia 26601, May 8th, 2026. We also are asking for Two Vendor Sponsors. Send Educational Ideas to any WVSHE Board Member and Register to Sponsor the Event at WVSHE.org

03/14/2026

Want to give an Enormous Shout Out to our own Rich Howlett who accomplished a professional milestone recently. Rich received Not One, but Two Professional Certifications "In the Same Week"!!
Rich is now a Certified healthcare Facility Manager through the American Hospital Association and ASHE, and a Certified Healthcare Emergency Manager through the Association of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professionals.
Both are prestigious certifications and to achieve both in One Week is a Huge Accomplishment, Congratulations Rich!!

03/08/2026

Want to get a professional certification or take a course to improve your Healthcare Engineering career? Can help!

03/08/2026

Have you always wanted to know more about the FGI Guidelines, FGI University can help. This is a Great Resource for Training, Webinars, Podcasts, and Course on how to use the Guidelines including the Changes to the 2026 Version. Go to

02/04/2026

https://youtu.be/HugplLYOOZM?si=oLVBE_eRq8HtTx8r

Great story from one of our members, please take a second to watch, it is American Heart Month!

As part of our new Heart Healthy Hunting campaign in West Virginia, we are sharing stories from hunters and their families who were impacted by heart disease...

02/04/2026

Some insight into WV Infection Prevention!

We’re excited to launch a new feature designed to help our members get to know the faces behind APIC-WV’s leadership. Throughout the year, we’ll be spotlighting those who serve our chapter — sharing their professional journeys, personal stories, and what inspires them in infection prevention.

🌟 Meet Rachel Hatfield MSN-Ed, RN, CMSRN, CIC, 2025 APIC-WV Membership Secretary🌟

Please join us in celebrating Rachel and we look forward to her continued work in championing our infection prevention community! 👏

Also Happy Birthday Rachel!! 🎉🎂

01/25/2026

Very important information with the impending storm and extra low temperatures!

🚨 Fire Sprinkler System Winter Storm Reminder for Business Owners, Property Managers, and Fire Departments 🚨

With the impending winter storm bringing extreme low temperatures and potentially significant ice accumulation, there is a high potential for widespread power outages caused by ice on trees and power lines. When power is lost, many commercial buildings may also lose heat. When building heat is lost in these conditions, fire sprinkler systems become at risk of freezing and rupturing, leaving buildings without their primary fire protection system.

Important Reminder:

If a fire sprinkler system becomes inoperable for any reason, including freezing, rupture, or loss of water supply, a fire watch must be instituted immediately and remain in effect until the system is restored to operable condition in accordance with the West Virginia State Fire Code and its adopted NFPA standards.

Fire watch requirements include:

✔ Continuous monitoring of affected areas by a dedicated fire watch person or persons
✔ Proper documentation
✔ Proper notifications and reporting
✔ Emergency repairs initiated as soon as practically possible

The Office of the West Virginia State Fire Marshal provides step by step guidance on how to properly implement fire watch procedures.

Visit 👉 firemarshal.wv.gov/divisions/fire-life-safety-inspections to access:

• A two page instruction sheet explaining
– When fire watch is required
– How fire watch must be conducted
– How it must be reported

• An official Fire Watch Log Sheet

If a building is occupied or in use and the fire sprinkler system becomes impaired for any reason, a fire watch is required and repairs must be started as soon as practically possible.

The Fire Marshals Association of West Virginia is issuing this reminder due to the expected winter storm conditions that could result in ice related power loss, frozen sprinkler systems, and increased fire risk.

This reminder is about public safety and protecting the people inside these buildings while fire protection systems are impaired due to severe winter weather.

01/24/2026

Congratulations, everyone meet your New APIC Board!

Meet APIC West Virginia’s 2026 Board of Directors!