Champion of Change: Paula Vineyard of Elana Health & Loop Medical Leads Healthcare Advocacy in West Virginia

Published in Government Relations on May 12, 2025

(L to R: Rachel Marie RT at Elana Health, Mary Wiseman, owner of Appalachian Medical of South Charleston, Joe Daniel, owner of Allay Home Care in Beckley, Paula Vineyard of Elana Health, Tyler Ohrn of Rep. Carol Miller’s office)
(Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV), staff member, Tyler Ohrn, learning about DME legislation.)

On Thursday, May 8, Paula Vineyard, owner of Elana Health & Loop Medical, took a pivotal step in healthcare advocacy by hosting a meeting with Tyler Ohrn, Field Representative for Congresswoman Carol Miller of West Virginia’s First District. The hour-long discussion centered on the pressing need for congressional support of H.R. 2005.

Vineyard was joined by other DME supplier leaders in West Virginia, including Rachel Marie, Respiratory Manager at Elana Health; Joe Daniel, Owner of Allay Home Care in Beckley, WV; and Mary Wiseman, Owner of Appalachian Medical of South Charleston. Together, they emphasized concerns about stagnant Medicare reimbursement rates, arguing that they have failed to keep pace with rising costs and wages, threatening the sustainability of healthcare providers in the region.

Determined to make an impact, Vineyard followed the advice from VGM’s Government Relations team, researching her congressional representatives and utilizing Rep. Miller’s website to request a meeting. Her initiative was met with swift action—Miller’s local office responded promptly and scheduled a discussion within ten days.

Ahead of the meeting, Vineyard reached out to both VGM and AAHomecare, leveraging their resources and tools to strengthen her advocacy efforts. Equipped with thorough information, the group engaged in a productive dialogue with Ohrn, who demonstrated a keen interest in understanding the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) industry and the financial hardships providers face.

Leaving the meeting with renewed optimism, Vineyard and her colleagues remain dedicated to securing sustainable Medicare reimbursement solutions that will enable healthcare providers to continue serving West Virginia’s communities effectively. With growing momentum behind H.R. 2005, industry leaders are hopeful that their advocacy will lead to meaningful change for patients and providers alike.

“This process was much easier and far less intimidating than it might seem,” Vineyard shared, encouraging others to take the initiative in meeting with their legislators.

Her leadership serves as a powerful example of what it means to be a Champion of Change. Advocacy groups stand ready to assist those interested in organizing meetings with legislators, providing education, resources, and guidance every step of the way.

If you’re inspired by Vineyard’s efforts and would like to host a legislative meeting, support is available—reach out to begin making an impact.

A heartfelt thank you to Paula, Rachel, Joe, and Mary for their dedication to advancing healthcare policy in West Virginia!