Mayor Marco Issues CHD Awareness Week Proclamation
Elkins, WV, February 4, 2026: Today, Mayor Jerry Marco issued a proclamation recognizing Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week, which starts on February 7 and ends on February 14. This week in February, which national organizations including the Children’s Heart Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Heart Association, and MendedHearts.org promote, raises awareness for the approximately one in 100 U.S. babies who are born with a congenital heart condition (CHD) each year.
Joining Mayor Marco during today’s ceremony at the Elkins Fire Department were members of the family of Silas Cooper, including his mother, Makenzie. The Cooper family, led by young Silas, first petitioned the City of Elkins to recognize this week in 2023.
“We are grateful to the Cooper family for doing their part to raise awareness of congenital heart disease,” said Marco. “Their advocacy has played a huge part in bringing attention to this cause and their efforts continue to make a meaningful impact on our community.”
According to the Children’s Heart Foundation, congenital heart defects (CHDs) are problems present at birth that affect the function and structure of the human heart. They vary in severity, from posing a minor health problem to ones that require surgery immediately after birth. Depending on the source cited, approximately one in 100 to 110 children are born with a CHD. That number equates to approximately 40,000 U.S. children born with a CHD annually, or one child born every 15 minutes. Most causes of CHDs are unknown.
Elkins residents: For more information on how to request a proclamation from the mayor’s office, visit https://cityofelkinswv.gov/city-government/administration/mayor/.
City Hall News: Week of February 8, 2026
Elkins, WV – February 8, 2026: Given the ongoing winter storms, remember to help our first responders help you. City Hall continues to ask residents and business owners to sign up for emergency text alerts. Anyone using a mobile phone can receive […]
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Mayor Jerry Marco Appointed to National League of Cities’ 2026 Small Cities Council
Elkins, WV, January 30, 2026: City of Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2026 Small Cities Council. During this one-year term, Mayor Marco will have a role in developing and guiding programs among local […]
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Regional Task Force Announces Warming Station Opening, Plans Public Forum on Critical Challenges
Elkins, WV, January 27, 2026 — The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health held its first meeting of the year on January 22, 2026. It highlighted urgent winter shelter operations, upcoming community events, and new initiatives aimed at helping […]
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City of Elkins Wastewater Department Extends Apprenticeship Program Deadline
ELKINS, WV, January 13, 2026: The City of Elkins Wastewater Department announces it has extended its grant-funded Apprenticeship Program, which offers a paid pathway to a stable and skilled career. Applications for the program will be accepted until the positions are filled. […]
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(POSTPONED) Elkins Seeks Ideas from the Public for the 250th Anniversary of the United States’ Independence
*Note: On the morning of January 15, Mayor Jerry Marco canceled this public meeting due to weather conditions in Elkins. We will notify the public again once this meeting is rescheduled.* Elkins, WV, January 9, 2026: Mayor Jerry Marco announced today that […]
Read MoreRegional Task Force Focuses on Grant Opportunities and Life Skills Training
ELKINS, WV, December 8, 2025 — The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health convened last week on December 4 to focus on securing new funding and expanding essential recovery services in the region. A primary topic was improving access to […]
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