Welcome to The Pulse, a weekly roundup of health-focused news. Each Thursday, we bring you updates on health policy, community surveys, new clinical studies, programs and services in Southwest and Southside Virginia.
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A new therapy program for preschool-aged kids with autism is coming to Roanoke.
VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment plans to open a clinic in August that will expand access to applied behavioral analysis, a research-based therapy that uses positive reinforcement to encourage helpful behaviors and teach new skills.
Formerly known as the Virginia Institute of Autism, the organization rebranded after a 2023 merger. It provides specialized schools, adult programs and early intervention services for people with autism across Central and Southwest Virginia.
The new clinic will sit adjacent to Roanoke VIA Day School and will focus on preparing kids for school by blending therapy with family support, according to a press release.
Modeled after an existing program in Charlottesville, the Roanoke clinic will focus on four core areas: communication, social interaction, cognitive development and self-regulation. The program will serve up to 12 children, with a waitlist expected to open this spring.
“The success of our Pediatric ABA program in Charlottesville has shown just how powerful early, intensive intervention can be for children and families,” said Katie Kariel, director of pediatric ABA services in the press release. “Expanding this program into Roanoke reflects our commitment to increasing access to effective services and our mission of helping children build the skills they need to thrive.”
Staff positions are now open, and candidates are invited to apply at viacenters.org/careers. Those interested in enrolling their children can reach out to roanokeclientservices@viacenters.org or call 434-284-5720.
Roanoke, Carilion partner on biotech incubator
The city of Roanoke and Carilion Clinic have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a new biotech incubator as part of a broader effort to grow the region’s life sciences sector.
The project, known as RoVa Labs, will support research spinoffs and startup companies. It builds on a 2023 award of $15.7 million from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to create a shared lab space.
[Disclosure: Carilion is one of our donors, but donors have no say in news decisions; see our policy.]
Carilion contributed building space in the heart of the Roanoke innovation corridor at 1030 S. Jefferson St., while the city has managed the project, adding $1.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, according to a press release from the city.
The memorandum also establishes collaboration with the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, Virginia Western Community College and Virginia Tech, according to the press release.
“The collaboration reinforces the bridges that connect higher education, health services, and industry, bringing together cross-jurisdictional public and private resources to become the region’s first partnership of its kind to manage and develop biotech programming,” the release said.
The lab space provides access to several resources to support research and commercialization across the region. Carilion Clinic Innovation is the building’s first tenant and supports clinic employees with unique ideas for improving health care and connecting them to innovative partners.
RoVa Labs features include:
- Private and open wet-lab suites with benches, sinks, gas/vacuum and emergency systems.
- Shared equipment, including biological safety cabinets, CO2 incubators, shaker/incubators, refrigerated centrifuges, freezer, cold room, water purification and basic analytical tools.
- Prototyping and medical device support, including light fabrication benches, small-form 3D printing and introductions to the region’s certified contract manufacturers.
- Innovation Studio, a specialized commercialization launchpad that provides startups with advanced prototyping tools, strategic mentorship, and resources to accelerate the transition from breakthrough bench research to market-ready solutions.
- Team space, including furnished offices, huddle rooms, an event lounge and phone rooms.
- Operational support, including biohazardous/regulated waste streams; chemical inventory templates; Environmental, Health, and Safety onboarding; and a Standard Operating Procedures start pack.
RoVa Labs is expected to create 250 jobs within five years, according to the press release.
Lee County hospital worker honored for 50 years of service
A longtime hospital employee in Southwest Virginia was recently honored at the state Capitol for five decades of service.
Eddie Thomas, a maintenance technician who later became a facility manager at Lee County Community Hospital, received a formal commendation from the General Assembly after retiring earlier this year, according to a press release from Ballad Health.
Thomas started his career in 1975 at Lee Regional Medical Center, supporting hospital operations until it closed in 2013. He later worked at Lonesome Pine Hospital but continued caring for the shuttered Lee County facility.
When Ballad Health took ownership of the hospital, Thomas played a key role in its reconstruction and reopening in 2021.
“Eddie Thomas is the heart of Lee County Community Hospital,” Cindy Elkins, administrator at Lee County Community Hospital, said in the press release. “His knowledge, kindness and unwavering dedication have shaped this facility in ways that cannot be measured. We are incredibly grateful for his 50 years of service and for the example he has set for all of us.”
Throughout his career, Thomas was known for going out of his way to help others, the press release said. He was always willing to give coworkers rides during snowstorms, lend his truck and trailer for community parades and mentored generations of team members.
Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Washington County, and Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott County, introduced the resolution recognizing his service.
“Eddie Thomas represents the very best of Lee County – hardworking, humble and deeply committed to the people around him,” Pillion said in the press release. “For five decades, he has gone above and beyond to ensure this hospital and this community were cared for. It is an honor to recognize Eddie for a lifetime of service that has truly made a difference.”
Kilgore added that Thomas’ steady presence helped sustain the hospital through closures and transitions.
“Eddie’s dedication never wavered, even during challenging periods, including when the hospital was closed,” Kilgore said. “Through his loyalty, expertise and steady presence, Eddie played a significant role in helping Lee County Community Hospital reopen in 2021. His legacy will be felt for generations, and the Commonwealth is grateful for his service.”
