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Local Production
Inspiring West Virginians making global contributions in research, finance, development

Broadcast date(s):.
West Virginia PBS & WInspiring West VirginiansV PBS HD – Tuesday, August 31 at 9 p.m. “Inspiring West Virginians: In Search of Meaningful Work”

Charleston, W.Va. – August 24, 2010 –  West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s latest documentary featuring the personal stories of state natives who have made significant contributions in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or business features a doctor and his wife who work with the Amish community of Strasburg, PA.

This segment in the Inspiring West Virginians series will premiere on West Virginia PBS on Tuesday, August 31 at 9 p.m.

“In Search of Meaningful Work” documents the groundbreaking work of pediatrician and researcher Dr. Holmes Morton on the debilitating genetic and metabolic diseases unique to Amish and Mennonite communities. Morton’s Clinic for Special Children in Lancaster, PA, was founded 21 years ago with the help of his wife Caroline. The newborn screening for metabolic diseases developed here by Morton has become standard procedure in infant screening programs across the United States. Time magazine named Morton “a hero of medicine.” His is also the recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award and a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant.”

These programs are made possible by the generous support of the Myles Family Foundation. The Foundation is based in Elkins and focuses on educational projects in West Virginia.  Additional funding is provided by the National Science Foundation’s[ http://www.wvepscor.org ] West Virginia Experimental Project to Stimulate Competitive Research.

About West Virginia Public Broadcasting

West Virginia Public Broadcasting nurtures personal growth, promotes civic responsibility and inspires lifelong discovery through high-quality programming and services. West Virginia Public Radio, West Virginia PBS, wvpubcast.org and Ready To Learn® are all services of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

The Friends of West Virginia Public Broadcasting is a 501(c)3 organization responsible for receiving donated funds from individuals for annual membership to West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Friends serve as ambassadors in their communities on behalf of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

All licenses for West Virginia PBS and West Virginia Public Radio are held by the Educational Broadcasting Authority as established by the West Virginia Legislature.