In the sprawling landscapes of West Virginia, where communities are often remote and rural, The Center for Rural Health Development (The Center) is dedicated to strengthening West Virginia’s healthcare infrastructure and improving the health of West Virginians. With a range of programs tailored to meet the unique needs of rural populations, The Center is committed to fostering healthier communities and improving the overall well-being of all West Virginians.
So, who is The Center for Rural Health Development?
The Center for Rural Health Development is a non-profit organization deeply rooted in West Virginia, driven by a vision that all West Virginians will have access to the best health care services at the most appropriate location and enjoy good health, contributing to meaningful work, family, and life. Since its inception 30 years ago, The Center has been steadfast in its mission to find sustainable solutions to the healthcare disparities prevalent in rural areas through innovative programs and strategic initiatives.
The Center serves as the Lead Agency for the following programs:
West Virginia Immunization Network: Improving Immunization Rates Across the Lifespan
Vaccination plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities against preventable diseases. West Virginia Immunization Network (WIN), a statewide coalition of over 400 members, strives to improve immunization rates across all age groups, from infants to senior citizens. Membership in WIN is open to all individuals and organizations passionate about improving vaccination rates in West Virginia, and provides access to valuable resources, training opportunities, educational materials, as well as networking opportunities.
Each year, WIN conducts the West Virginia Infectious Disease and Immunization Summit. The Summit is an educational event developed for healthcare and public health professionals with an interest in addressing and resolving immunization issues and protecting against infectious diseases. The sessions at the Summit provide timely updates and evidence-based strategies for protecting West Virginians from vaccine-preventable diseases and emerging infectious diseases.
West Virginia Rural Health Infrastructure Loan Fund: Financing Rural Health Throughout WV
Recognizing the vital role of healthcare infrastructure in delivering quality care, The Center operates the West Virginia Rural Health Infrastructure Loan Fund (Loan Fund). The Loan Fund aims to strengthen West Virginia’s rural health infrastructure by providing affordable and flexible loans to licensed healthcare providers throughout the state. In doing so, the Loan Fund acts as a catalyst for the enhancement of healthcare services across all regions of the state.
To be an eligible borrower, the borrower must be a licensed West Virginia healthcare provider and an organization in good standing within the state of West Virginia. Eligible borrowers include hospitals, private physicians, dental practices, community health centers, long-term care providers, behavioral health providers, pharmacies, physical therapy, optometry and other providers. Loans are available for a variety of capital improvement needs including:
- Pre-construction, including land acquisition
- New facilities
- Facility renovation and/or expansion
- Equipment acquisition and/or upgrades
- Technology acquisition and/or upgrades
- Bridge financing for loans or grants
- Private practice acquisition
- Other needs
Institute for Health Care Governance: Leadership for Improved Health Care.
Effective governance is essential for the success and sustainability of healthcare organizations. The Institute for Health Care Governance, a program of the Center, offers comprehensive training and resources to healthcare and public health boards of directors and leaders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex governance challenges. Through educational programs, consultations, and networking opportunities, the Center empowers healthcare and public health boards and executives to make informed decisions that drive organizational excellence and community impact.
One educational program that is hosted by the Institute is The Appalachian Health Leadership Forum. The Forum is tailored for board members of various health institutions, from local health departments to community health centers and rural hospitals. In addition to featuring state and national experts on board governance best practices, the Forum also emphasizes collaborative efforts with other sectors to improve the 7 Vital Conditions for Community Health and Well-Being, community by community, while fostering a culture of health for economic growth.
The Forum equips attendees with tools and knowledge to influence community-wide health outcomes. With a focus on community health improvement planning, it aims to empower leaders to work with diverse stakeholders in identifying priorities and implementing coordinated actions to address local economic and health challenges. The Forum’s agenda includes discussions on strategies to address the Vital Conditions for Community Health and Well-Being and enhance overall community vitality, emphasizing the importance of collective action in fostering healthier communities.
Wild, Wonderful & Healthy WV: Healthy Communities Build Healthy Economies
Health is more than healthcare. The community conditions where we live, work and go to school have a great impact on our health long before we ever see a health care provider. Wild, Wonderful & Healthy WV (WWHWV) acknowledges this relationship between our environments and health, and works with communities to develop collaborative, long-term plans to improve community health and wellness in West Virginia. By breaking down silos and fostering partnerships across diverse sectors such as education, business, and government, WWHWV endeavors to create environments where healthy choices are the easy choice. By harnessing the collective strength of communities and stakeholders, WWHWV strives to make West Virginia a beacon of health and vitality.
Get Involved
For more information about the Center for Rural Health Development or to get involved in one of these programs, contact us at info@wvruralhealth.org or (304) 397-4071. Donate Local The work of The Center for Rural Health Development is fueled by the generosity and support of individuals and organizations committed to advancing healthcare in West Virginia. As The Center continues the journey towards healthier communities, join in on the mission. Your donation can make a tangible difference, enabling us to expand our programs, reach more underserved areas, and transform lives.
The Center for Rural Health Development stands as a guiding light for rural communities in West Virginia, offering a comprehensive suite of programs designed to address the unique health and healthcare challenges faced by residents. Through initiatives like WIN, the Loan Fund, the Institute for Health Care Governance, and WWHWV, The Center is empowering communities, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and fostering a culture of health and economic prosperity across the state. With your support, we can continue to make strides towards a healthier, brighter future for all West Virginians.