The Center for Rural Health Development

Webinar: Breaking Down H5N1: A One Health Approach
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Click here to view the archived webinar.
Description:
During this one-hour webinar, presenters will discuss the clinical, agricultural, zoonotic, and public health aspects of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as H5N1. Attendees will learn about the importance of collaboration and a coordinated response using the One Health approach strategy to protect both animal and human populations from disease.
Objectives:
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe the history and burden of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) from all perspectives (clinical, agricultural, zoonotic, public health)
• Discuss general presentation, diagnosis, and management of H5N1 from a clinical perspective;
• Discuss H5N1 preparedness and post-exposure prophylaxis measures for healthcare workers;
• Describe how a case investigation is conducted for H5N1; and
• Describe the “One Health” approach to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Webinar Slides:
HPAI Ag Update_11.20.2025_DrAlt
One-Health-and-Highly-Pathogenic-Avian-Influenza-H5N1-The-Clinical-Perspective_MJensen
HPAI H5N1 WIN Webinar_Harper
Presenters:
Melissa Jensen, MSPA, PA-C; Assistant Professor of PA Studies, Concord University | Health Sciences
Erika D. Alt, DVM; Assistant State Veterinarian/Assistant Director, Animal Health Division, West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Mandy Marie Harper, MPH, Epidemiologist II/ Influenza Surveillance Coordinator, WV Bureau for Public Health
Registration:
Click here to view the archived webinar.
Continuing Education:
Continuing education credits are no longer available for this event.

DISCLOSURE AND MITIGATION
The CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine and West Virginia Immunization Network, the Center for Rural Health Development Inc. controls the content and production of this CE activity and attempt to ensure the presentation of balanced, objective information. In accordance with the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education established by the ACCME, faculty, abstract reviewers, paper presenters/authors, planning committee members, staff and any others involved in planning the educational content must disclose any relationship they or their co-authors have with ineligible companies which may be related to their content. The ACCME defines “relevant financial relationships” as financial relationships in any amount occurring within the past 24 months that create a conflict of interest. All presenters, planning committee and faculty have declared no financial interest with an ineligible company for this educational activity.

Accreditation
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the West Virginia Immunization Network, Center for Rural Health Development Inc. and CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine. CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physicians-. The CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 hour for AMA PRA Category I Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses The CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This offering has been approved for 1 contact hour (JA0026-26-CE1052)
Pharmacy – The CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. To receive credit, participants must complete the sign-in sheet, attend each session and complete an evaluation. ACPE credits will be posted online to the CPE Monitor within six (6) weeks following the activity. This knowledge-based activity provides 1.0 contact hours (JA0006133-9999-25-050-L01-P)

Webinar: Pertussis: Understanding, Preventing, and Managing Whooping Cough
2026-01-13 12:00 - 13:00
Click here view the archived webinar.
*Note: A YouTube video was shared during this webinar that is not available on the archive. You can view the video by following the link here. It is also linked below along with the presenter slides.

Description:
Pertussis, commonly known as Whooping Cough, remains a significant public health concern as cases are rising nationally and in West Virginia. This webinar will provide an in-depth overview of the disease, including its clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, reporting, and prevention strategies. Participants will gain insights into the latest guidelines for immunization, reporting guidelines, and patient management, ensuring they are equipped to reduce the impact of pertussis in their communities.
Objectives:
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Describe the transmission and clinical features of pertussis;
Explain treatment protocols and supportive care for patients with pertussis;
Discuss current vaccination recommendations and strategies to improve coverage; and
Describe the role of public health in pertussis investigations, specifically the identification and management of close contacts, and control and prevention measures to prevent the spread of disease.

Presenters:

Johanna Bosse, MS, Vaccine-Preventable Disease Epidemiologist, West Virginia Bureau for Public Health
Krista D. Capehart, PharmD, MS, BCACP, FAPhA, Clinical Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy; Director of the Wigner Institute for Advanced Pharmacy Practice, Education and Research, West Virginia University School of Pharmacy
Lisa M. Costello, MD, MPH, FAAP, Associate Professor, Clerkship Co-director, Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine

Presentation Slides and Resources:

Pertussis WIN Webinar _Presentation Slides_Dr.Costello
Link to YouTube video shared by Dr. Costello: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB70izafC1Y
Pertussis Webinar_Dr.Capehart Presentation slides
The Epidemiology of Pertussis _WIN Webinar Slides_J_Bosse

Webinar evaluation: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WIN_Pertussis
Continuing Education:
1.0 hour of continuing education for Physician, Pharmacy, and Nursing credit has been approved for this event. Continuing education credit is available until February 13, 2026 for those who view the live or archive webinar and complete the webinar evaluation linked above.
Pertussis: Understanding, Preventing and Managing Whooping Cough
DISCLOSURE AND MITIGATION
The CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine and West Virginia Immunization Network, the Center for Rural Health Development Inc. controls the content and production of this CE activity and attempt to ensure the presentation of balanced, objective information. In accordance with the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education established by the ACCME, faculty, abstract reviewers, paper presenters/authors, planning committee members, staff and any others involved in planning the educational content must disclose any relationship they or their co-authors have with ineligible companies which may be related to their content. The ACCME defines “relevant financial relationships” as financial relationships in any amount occurring within the past 24 months that create a conflict of interest. All presenters, planning committee and faculty have declared no financial interest with an ineligible company for this educational activity.

Accreditation:
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the West Virginia Immunization Network, Center for Rural Health Development Inc. and CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine. CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physicians-. The CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 hours for AMA PRA Category I Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses The CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This offering has been approved for 1 contact hour (JA0026-26-CE1073)
Pharmacy – The CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. To receive credit, participants must complete the sign-in sheet, attend each session and complete an evaluation. ACPE credits will be posted online to the CPE Monitor within six (6) weeks following the activity. This knowledge-based activity provides 1 contact hour (JA0006133-9999-26-115-L06-P)

2026 Appalachian Health Leadership Forum
2026-04-23 08:00 - 2026-04-24 17:00 | Stonewall Resort and Conference Center, 940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, WV, 26447, United States
Join us April 23 & 24, 2026!
Stonewall Resort & Conference Center, Roanoke, WV
Registration for this event is now open. Click here to register.
The Forum is a place for thought-provoking ideas and conversations. We bring together West Virginia’s board and executive leaders from healthcare and public health, along with business and community leaders to share strategies and resources to address the vital conditions that affect community health and wellbeing. Day One of the Forum will focus on community health improvement strategies to address social determinants of health and advance the vital conditions for health and well-being in your communities. On Day Two of the Forum, hear from thought leaders on board governance best practices and how to nurture a more resilient workforce.
Agenda:
April 23, 2026 – Community Health Improvement Sessions
10:00 AM Forum Opening: Welcome & Introductions

Taking Care of Our Own: Building and Strengthening Recovery Ecosystems

Michael Meit, MA, MPH, Director, East Tennessee State Center for Rural Health and Research

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch (Provided) at Stillwaters

Engaging Local Policy Makers in Community Health Improvement

Anne Cavalier, Ed.D., Mayor of Smithers, WV
Del. Sarah Drennan, WV House of Delegates, District 20
Gary Roberts, MPA, Commissioner, Nicholas County, WV

Transforming Vacant and Dilapidated Properties

Mark Buchanan, MS, CPESC, Project Manager & Research Associate, Marshall University Brownfield Assistance Center at the Center for Environmental Geotechnical Applied Science
Katherine Garvey, Director, Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic, WVU College of Law

Healthy Food Access and Supporting Local Farmers and Food Systems

Mandy Curry, Owner/Founder, Healthy Kids Inc.
Spencer Moss, MPA, Executive Director, West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition

5:00 PM Closing Remarks & Evaluation

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Appalachian Health Leadership Forum Opening Reception

April 24, 2026 – Governance & Leadership Sessions
8:30 AM Breakfast Provided

9:00 AM – 9:15AM Opening Session Welcome & Introductions

Compassion Fatigue: Considerations for Recognition and Management Among Public Health and Healthcare Providers

Dan Barnett, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health

Adaptive Leadership: Leading through Change

Catherine Slemp, MD, MPH, Principal and Managing Member, Deepa Consulting
C. Donovan Beckett, DO, Chief Executive Officer, Williamson Health and Wellness Center
Angela Gray, BSN, RN, SUD Case Manager, WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center
Anita Stewart, DO, Health Officer, Nicholas County Health Department

12:00 NOON – 12:45 PM Annual Rural Health Leadership Award Lunch

Responsible AI Use in Healthcare and Public Health

Merage Ghane, PhD, Director of Responsible AI, Coalition for Health AI

From Mission to Action: Strategic Planning for Healthcare Boards

Jenna Misiti, Esq., MHA, CHC, Attorney/Owner, Appalachian Healthcare Legal Consulting, PLLC

3:30pm Forum Closing

Registration Information:

2026 Registration Prices:

Early Bird Registration Fees (available until February 28th)
Registration Fees (after March 1st)

Full Conference Registration
$350.00
$400.00

Student Full Conference Registration Includes both Thursday and Friday sessions and all meals and reception. Must be an active college/ university student to receive this rate.
$175.00
$200.00

One Day Only: Thursday, April 23, 2026 Includes breakfast, lunch and evening reception.
$200.00
$250.00

Student – One Day Only: Thursday, April 23, 2026 Includes breakfast, lunch and evening reception.
$100.00
$125.00

Day 1 Lunch Guest Ticket
$40.00
$50.00

April 23rd Evening Reception Guest Ticket
$20.00
$25.00

One Day Only: Friday, April 24, 2026 Includes breakfast and Awards Lunch; does not include Thursday evening reception.
$180.00
$210.00

Student One Day Only: Friday, April 24, 2026 Includes breakfast and Awards Lunch; does not include Thursday evening reception.
$90.00
$105.00

Friday Awards Lunch Guest Ticket:
$60.00
$70.00

VALUE DEAL: (Full Conference Registration Only)
Fourth Team Member FREE *Must register as group prior to March 1st. Not available for registrations received after March 1st.

Click here to register for the Forum.
Accommodations:
A conference room block is being held at Stonewall Resort at a rate of $212/night. To make a reservation with Stonewall Resort, click here or call Stonewall Resort at 304-269-7400 and select the room reservations prompt. For phone reservations, reference the Appalachian Health Leadership Forum to receive the conference rate. The conference rate ends March 23, 2026.
Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities:
Exhibitor, advertising, and sponsorship opportunities are available to support this event and engage with the attendees. Click here to view options.
Continuing Education:
An application will be submitted for physician, pharmacy, nursing, and ACHE continuing education units for this conference.

2026 Infectious Disease and Immunization Summit
2026-05-14 08:00 - 2026-05-15 16:00 | Summersville Arena & Conference Center, 3 Armory Way, Summersville, WV, 26651, United States
Click here to register for this event.

Where: Summersville Arena & Conference Center
The Annual West Virginia Infectious Disease and Immunization Summit is scheduled for May 14-15, 2026, at the Summersville Arena and Conference Center, in Summersville, West Virginia. The Annual West Virginia Infectious Disease and Immunization Summit is an educational event targeted towards public and private sector organizations with an interest in learning about infectious diseases and strategies for improving immunization rates in West Virginia. We are pleased to partner again this year with the Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services to hold this two-day conference.
Target Audience:
Various sessions at the Summit will be targeted toward healthcare and public health professionals, school nurses and administrators, business leaders, consumers, and others interested in protecting West Virginians from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Agenda:
The agenda is being finalized and will be released soon.
Topics this year include:

Alpha Gal Syndrome
State Approaches for Addressing Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders, HIV, and Hepatitis C
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines and Cancer Prevention
Shared Success Stories in Vaccine Delivery
Resurgence of Pertussis and Measles
RSV Immunization and its Impact on Patient Care
VAERS Reporting in WV
and more!

Registration Information:
Click here to register for this event.
There are different registration options available. Attendees can register for one or both days of the conference, with discounted rates for anyone attending both days. Online registration will be closed on May 8, 2026, or when capacity for the conference center has been reached.

Single day registration: $100 per day (includes breakfast and lunch);
Bundle registration for attending both days: $180 (includes breakfast and lunch)
Student Rates: $60 per day (includes lunch)
Awards Luncheon Ticket for additional guests not registered for the Immunization Summit: $35

Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities:
Exhibitor, advertising, and sponsorship opportunities are now available.
Continuing Education:
An application for continuing education will be submitted for this event for Pharmacy, Physician, and Nursing credits.
Lodging Information:
Room blocks for the Infectious Disease and Immunization Summit are being held at:
Hampton Inn (5400 W Webster Rd, Summersville, WV 26651) for the evenings of May 13th and 14th, at a rate of $140/night + tax. To reserve a room in this block, please call (304) 872-7100 and use code: Center Rural Health when making a reservation to take advantage of the room block rates. The rates expire on April 24, 2026.
La Quinta (106 Merchants Walk, Summersville, WV 26651) for the evenings of May 13th and 14th, at a rate of $119/night + tax. To reserve a room in this block, please call (304) 872-0555 and use code: CRH26 when making a reservation to take advantage of the room block rates.

Consent to use photographic images:
By taking part in this event, you grant The Center for Rural Health Development full rights to use any images resulting from the photography and/or video filming for any reproductions or adaptations of the images. This may include (but is not limited to) the right to use them in printed and digital media, social media, and press releases. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform an event organizer or the photographer.
