PHILIPPI — The Philippi Public Library will host an exhibition and reception honoring the 20th anniversary of the Children’s Health Insurance Program from 5 to 7 p.m. March 20.

The intent of the exhibit and programming is not to advocate for or against CHIP or any political viewpoint but to share information about the program with the public. The exhibition will include five large banners depicting information and history of the CHIP program. Refreshments will be provided.

The event is co-sponsored by the Library and the Barbour County Health Department and will be catered by the Gypsy Cafe. The Health Department will provide information and a presentation related to nutrition, physical fitness and disease prevention and will provide interactive activities for children.

“We are honored to be selected as one of the public libraries in West Virginia to partner with West Virginia University Libraries to host this exhibit,” said Library Director Judy Buckner Larry. “We hope the public will support this event and come out to view the exhibit, listen to the presentation, gather some information about CHIP and enjoy some tasty food at the reception. The Health Department will also provide some activities for the children.”

The event is also sponsored by the West Virginia University Libraries, the West Virginia & Regional History Center and the WVU John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics. The exhibit is able to travel to events throughout West Virginia with the financial support from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

“A Healthy Start: The Children’s Health Insurance Program” draws on retired Sen. Jay Rockefeller’s congressional archives to explore the history of CHIP, his work to navigate conflicts and compromises in Congress that brought it to fruition and the real effects of policy on individuals.

On Aug. 5, 1997, President Bill Clinton signed CHIP into law, extending health coverage to millions of uninsured children with the largest federal investment in children’s health since the creation of Medicaid in 1965. Rockefeller was instrumental in creating CHIP and in forming a bipartisan coalition in Congress that backed the expansion of children’s health care despite an unfavorable political climate.

During his 30-year Senate career (1985 to 2015), Rockefeller became known as a leader for health care reform; an advocate for improving the lives of children and working families; and a supporter of the nation’s soldiers, veterans and senior citizens. He served as chair of the Committee on Veterans Affairs; the Select Committee on Intelligence; the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation; and the Committee on Finance Subcommittee on Medicare and Long-term Care. He also served as the vice chair of the Select Committee on Intelligence. In November 2014, Rockefeller designated the WVU Libraries as the permanent home of the John D. Rockefeller IV Senatorial Archives.

More information about this event is available by contacting the Philippi Public Library at 304-457-3495 or stop by the library.