Information about the Virginia Rural Health Association and the Virginia Rural Health Plan

1. Rural Health In Virginia Beth O’Connor, M. Ed.

2. Non-profit Individuals & organizations across Virginia Care about improving the health of Virginia's rural residents Provide information, education and advocacy Affiliate of NRHA Who is VRHA?

3. Unequal distribution of basic systems Problems other than long distances & low population density Rural Health in Virginia

4. Rural solutions for rural areas IOM: initiatives have not been applicable to rural settings VRHA is collaborating with VDH on Virginia’s Rural Health Plan 3-5 year strategic plan designed to strengthen the health care infrastructure in rural areas So What Do We Do?

5. 4 Councils: Data, Quality, Workforce, Access Access sub-groups: Primary care, EMS, Oral health, OB/GYN, Behavioral health Councils serve as the lead advisors in Virginia on rural health issues Create rural health pilot projects Implement the various recommendations

6. Identify models of care and best practices from other rural areas around the nation Update Virginia’s statewide oral health plan. Research school‐based health care models in rural areas. And many more: www.va-srhp.org What Recommendations?

7. Visit the website Support the plan Adopt a recommendation How Can You Be Involved?

8. Beth O’Connor, Executive Director 540-231-7923 boconnor@vcom.vt.edu www.vrha.org