Physically active lifestyles provide numerous benefits; health benefits, economic benefits, and social benefits are just a few. Policy makers are aware of these benefits and try to promote such lifestyles by issuing programs such as Healthy People 2000 and Healthy People 2010. Yet, more than half of all Americans are defined as physically inactive (MMWR, 1993). Success in promoting the importance of physically active lifestyles, especially among people who engage in sedentary lifestyles, is the ability to overcome actual and perceived barriers to adopting more active lifestyles. This success will contribute to both individuals and the general public. This study investigated the link between recreational supply and healthcare expenditures for West Virginia. More specifically, the study examined the relationships between health status, health-care expenditures, and recreational supply. West Virginia’s rates for physical inactivity and obesity are among the highest in the United States. Consistent with empirical research that documents the relationship between the lack of physical activity and cardiovascular related illnesses and episodes, West Virginians have a higher rate of heart disease mortality than the national average. This study presents a comparative analysis of all 55 counties in West Virginia. Regression analyses have been employed for testing the significance of multiple factors, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software has been incorporated to investigate spatial issues within the data set. Health status variables include measures based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, and per capita hospital charges for diseases and disorders of the circulatory system. Explanatory variables include county level measures of socio-demographics, availability of health care, and recreational oriented variables. Data for this study was extracted mainly from the National Outdoor Recreation Supply Information System (NORSIS, 1997), West Virginia Health Care Authority, and the WV Office of Epidemiology and Health Promotion. The results of this study provide solid evidence that the demand for health-care is positively associated with physical inactivity rates, and that physical inactivity rates are inversely related to the supply of recreational opportunities. Additionally, the results show that obesity and physical inactivity are inversely correlated with education level. These results imply that policy and decision-makers should target both health education and the provision of recreational options and opportunities in order to achieve a healthier functioning society. Keyword(s): physical activity, wellness/disease prevention