Charleston, W. Va. – The West Virginia Department of Administration is proud to participate in Governor Patrick Morrisey’s "Mountaineer Mile" initiative, a statewide campaign designed to promote physical activity and encourage healthier lifestyles among residents. This initiative, which is a great way to kick off the spring season, encourages all West Virginians to walk one mile each day as part of a broader effort to enhance wellness and improve health outcomes across the state.
Department of Administration employees officially launched their participation in the initiative on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, with nearly 70 employees joining the inaugural walk. Beginning at the fountain in the North Circle, the group completed a one-mile route around the Capitol Complex. Employees plan to continue walking daily throughout the month during their regularly scheduled lunch breaks, weather permitting.
“Small steps lead to big changes,” said Department of Administration Cabinet Secretary Eric Householder. “I support Gov. Morrisey for leading this important initiative. I encourage all Department of Administration employees to join in and make walking a daily activity, one step at a time.”
Walking is a simple yet effective way to improve an individual’s overall health and well-being, offering benefits such as reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced mental wellness. Even short walks at a brisk pace can yield significant health benefits, making it easy for individuals to incorporate physical activity into their busy schedules.
“It was inspiring to see so many employees step outside and take advantage of this beautiful day to participate. I encourage everyone to keep up the momentum,” Householder said.
Participants are encouraged to share photos of their walks on social media with the hashtag #MountaineerMile to help inspire others.
