The Rural Health Voice

What happens when a free clinic decides to offer more than just clinical services?  Andrea Ahonen, CEO of GoochlandCares joined RHV to discuss how and why they handle logistics for a multitude of services. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, take our survey: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fomniinstitute.co1.qualtrics.com%2Fjfe%2Fform%2FSV_1MS77GHAwRZYoMS%3Flink%3Dsm%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdWlwcjFqSUFDRzFLR2RHVQEeFmMOHc5mWFnYJcDEUQsIHFvn5sxJDGOxvwH_sMGyqdfv9qVv9G6B_jxM__E_aem_2mMwwhQGFneaHo06Penoqw&h=AT3ArZOljfhkUqB6N4JiGUvtMF7rWonGXL1tCXT72ZMD8G6Ucl5Snoobi7ZNcbsKv3TbkCeNeRmLcPdF1o751pt5PMGDtOZT0bx2stvF7ZD3-5IfAlHVx7z39bljgDd63B3QZ0fnDJwJMA&__tn__=-UK*F&c[0]=AT2ZCG_ksVUvdvk1u7q0p6k7-1EIdconD7Vj1ckf6rgMphaZHqM0DeZTbgxcalRVU2EuJHCZEfVZEek2oOlHHNEhHq4_RpoBFVr_qqg9-9-1qEC8MkocSSCoffEeA9YdWQjUzvm6vyAj8-HW-mW-RMCUUz0hOOPAA4ohYeLv2MESZgEusxd1pn8JJeDMXVrQOYY4n0Mxt94mTMFdGcJug6R35Qw

What are some of the benefits and concerns for telehealth? Kathy Wibberly, PhD of the MidAtlantic Telehealth Resource Center joined RHV to discuss telehealth use and policy. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural telehealth, join MATRC and VRHA this summer at the Bridging Rural Communities event.

How can rural hospitals address the need for screening despite a lack of specialists?  Vicki Parks, CEO of the Wythe County Community Hospital joined RHV to discuss some of their solutions. VRHA is now accepting submissions to lead breakout session discussions for our 2025 event.

With the shortage of specialists, how do rural primary care providers handle mental health for their pediatric patients?   Ally Singer Wright and Angie Prater from VMAP joined RHV to discuss the free services they have available. VRHA is now accepting submissions to lead breakout sessions for our 2025 event.  Deadline is May 2nd

What happens when a rural physician is determined to do everything they can to treat a patient locally instead of making them travel outside of the community?  Sterling Ransone, MD joined me to discuss barriers to care in rural communities and what could be done to improve access. VRHA is now accepting submissions to lead breakout session discussions for our 2025 Rural Health Voice conference.

Another company has purchased the old Patrick Hospital, will it open for real this time? Kyle Kopec, Chief Medical Compliance Officer/Co-Founder of BradenHealth joined me to discuss his passion for rural communities.

How can students understand how to apply data into real-world situations?  Dr. Elizabeth Ackley, Director of the Center for Community Health Innovation at Roanoke College joined RHV to discuss the development of their Healthy Living Index. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join VRHA at the National Rural Health Association's Policy Institute this February in Washington, DC.  The Policy Institute is a chance to hear firsthand from federal policymakers and meet with your members of Congress.

What is the Virginia Health Care Foundation doing to boost the need for better access to mental health services? Denise Daly Konrad and Trinette Randolf joined RHV to discuss the Foundation's initiatives.

Who is most at risk for the flu, COVID, and RSV? Kelly Langford of the US Department of Health and Human Services joined me to discuss their Risk Less. Do More campaign.

How has the opioid crisis complicated pain management? Dr. Robert Twillman of St. Luke's Health System joined me to discuss alternatives for rural communities with limited access to services. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join VRHA at the National Rural Health Association's Policy Institute this February in Washington, DC. The Policy Institute is a chance to hear firsthand from federal policymakers and meet with your members of Congress.

Why do people who are retired need an occupational therapist?  Shunaka White of For Safety's Sake joined RHV to discuss the needs for our Vintage Virginians. Reminder that National Rural Health Day is November 21st.  Join VRHA in celebrating on social media.

How can community representation be used to make legislative policy?  Kathryn Haines, Health Equity Manager from the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy joined RHV to discuss how they bring people together to address health equity.   If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join Kathryn and others to talk about maternal health, substance use disorders, and workforce in rural communities, this November in Abingdon at the Rural Health Voice conference.

What are Primary Immune Disorders and how can rural clinicians get the information they need to help patients?  Dr. Nick Rider from the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine joined RHV to discuss PEPI ECHO. Find PEPI Content on the web: PEPI ECHO Site PEPI YouTube Join the conversation at the Rural Health Voice conference November 19 & 20 in Abingdon!

What's the one stop shop you can use to find jobs in all of Virginia's hospitals?  Sharon Alexander, Director of Workforce Initiatives at the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association joined me to discuss On Board Virginia. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health workforce, join the Virginia Rural Health Association at the Rural Health Voice conference in November.  Workforce will be one of our three focus areas.

Does Virginia need a Secretary of Rural Affairs?  Andrew Block, University of Virginia School of Law joined RHV to discuss why that is a topic of discussion in Virginia right now. Join us at the Rural Health Voice conference

Rural Health Voice Executive Director Beth O'Connor was the guest on the Rural Health Rising podcast. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join Beth and other rural health advocates in Abingdon November 19 & 20 for the Rural Health Voice conference.    

What should college faculty and staff know about the mental health needs of the students? Hans Carlo Rivera joined me to discuss their work at Virginia Tech. For more information, contact Hokie Wellness: 540-231-8878  

Is rural water as pure and pristine as bottled water advertisements would have us believe?  Erin Ling, Water Quality Extension Specialist, joined RHV to discuss the Virginia Household Water Quality Program. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join VRHA at the Rural Health Voice conference in Abingdon November 19 & 20.

How do churches address the social determinants of health?  Pastor Morris Fleischer of the Newport-Mt Olivet United Methodist Church joined RHV to discuss what churches do beyond the pulpit.

Whose voice is heard from rural Virginia?  Rachel Levy, Executive Director of New Rural Virginia joined RHV to discuss her hopes for better representation. VRHA membership information

What are the barriers to providing obstetric care in rural communities?  Arthur Ollendorff, MD from the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine joined me to discuss his concerns about maternal health. Follow VRHA on social media: Facebook X Instagram  

Is it worth your time to meet with your elected officials?  Narissa Rahaman Executive Director of Equality Virginia joined RHV to discuss their most recent wins at the Virginia General Assembly. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, watch our website and social media accounts for information about the upcoming Equality Virginia Community Town Halls.

What is a midwife and how do they bridge the gap for maternal healthcare in rural communities?  Leslie Payne of Trillium House Birthing Center joined RHV to discuss Certified Professional Midwives. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, follow VRHA on Facebook and X.

Who is responsible for health literacy?  Systems Design Coach Steven Ragsdale joined RHV to discuss how health disparities need to be addressed at every level. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, check out the National Rural Health Association's Health Equity conference this May in New Orleans.

Are there any surprises when it comes to the need for improved oral health?  Ben Barber, Policy Director at Virginia Health Catalyst joined RHV to discuss their Oral Health Workforce Gap Assessment. Link to the Virginia Health Catalyst email list request.

Why is it important to be involved in rural health advocacy?  Dr. Kevin Bennett, Director of Center for Rural & Primary Healthcare at the University of South Carolina joined RHV to discuss his path to the NRHA Presidency.  Join us at the NRHA Annual Conference in New Orleans this May.

What are the benefits and complications of mobile health?  Dr. Carolyn Rutledge, Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Old Dominion University joined RHV to discuss rural outreach and their mobile health clinic.

Why do independent pharmacies have a hard time staying open?  Cindy Warriner, of the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network joined RHV to discuss the needs of rural pharmacies.

What is a Syndemic?  Lee Storrow, Senior Director of External Affairs at the Community Education Group  joined RHV to discuss the confluence of HIV, HCV, and the opioid crisis and what is being done to address it. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join Lee, myself, and others at the Appalachian Syndemic Summit in May. This episode was sponsored by the Virginia State Office of Rural Health.  

What is a Dental Assistant and why is it a great healthcare career?  Dr. Emily Bowen from the Mountain Empire Community College Dental Assistant Program joined me to discuss oral health. Want to talk directly to members of Congress about rural health issues?  Join VRHA in Washington, DC this February for the Rural Health Policy Institute.  Event links are in the show notes.

What is different about food insecurity in rural communities?  Donna Dagner of the Community Resource Services joined RHV to discuss the work of the food pantry and plans to grow. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join VRHA at the Rural Health Policy Institute in DC next February.

What are doulas and how can they improve maternal health?  Roshay Richardson, Lead Chair, Danville Maternal Health Task Force joined RHV to discuss how communities can better support pregnancies. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join VRHA at the Rural Health Policy Institute in DC next February.

Who is the Cancer Coalition of Virginia and why do they have a plan?  Jessica Deering and Victoria Zwicker joined RHV to discuss the 2023 Virginia Cancer Plan. Resources: https://cancercoalitionofvirginia.org/virginia-cancer-plan/ https://cancercoalitionofvirginia.org/

What do regional organizers do?  Clio Schurtz of Virginia Organizing joined RHV to discuss how she engages people in the New River Valley to address housing needs. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join us at the Virginia Rural Health Voice Conference, November 15-16 in Blacksburg.

Who in Washington DC is working to support healthcare in rural communities?  Tom Morris from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy joined RHV to discuss how his staff provide support through information, data, and of course, grant opportunities. Additional resources: TAGGS - Government grant tracking website HRSA data warehouse Rural Health Information Hub VRHA membership  

What do you need to know about hazardous waste in your home or healthcare facility?  Jim O'Leary and Chris Archambeault joined RHV to discuss what the Virginia department of Environmental Quality can do to help make sure your waste is properly stored and disposed. More information: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-10/10_step_blueprint_guide_final_9-22.pdf https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/documents/10008_managingyourhazwaste_508pdf_october_16_2019.pdf  

We are flipping the script for episode 101.  Instead of our host Beth O'Connor interviewing someone, she was the interviewee as a guest on the Commonhealth podcast. Registration for the Rural Health Voice conference is now open!  Join us in Blacksburg November 15 & 16.

Because this is our 100th episode, RHV is celebrating by doing something a little different.  Many of the regulations our rural hospitals and clinics follow were created by Congress, and it takes a literal act of Congress to change those regulations.  Instead of interviewing someone who is an expert of some aspect of rural health, the guest is Jennifer Briney, host of the Congressional Dish podcast to talk about how Congress operates and how you can make a difference in how those regulations are updated. Related links: Congressional Dish podcast We're Not Wrong podcast Current bills in Congress related to rural health (scroll to "Current Advocacy Campaigns" section) Congressional contacts for Virginia  

How have rural hospitals changed over the years and what will they look like in the future?  John Supplitt, Senior Director of Field Engagement at the American Hospital Association joined RHV to discuss concerns and possibilities for our rural facilities.

What's the difference between and MD and a DO?  Dr. Hope Tobey of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine joined RHV to discuss what college students need to consider when making the decision to attend medical school.

How can students get involved in VRHA and why should they do so?  Joshua McCray, UVA Clinical Research Coordinator joined RHV to discuss his experiences as a VRHA Student Board member. Josh and fellow student board member Sean Thursen will be staying on the VRHA Board for a second term. They will be joined by other students from UVA, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Virginia Tech MPH program, the Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Roanoke College as the student board representatives for the upcoming academic year.  Visit the VRHA Board web page and scroll to the bottom to see a list of our current student board representatives.

What is the UC Berkeley School of Public Health doing to support rural public health?  Kimberly MacPherson Faculty Director, Health Policy & Management, joined RHV to discuss the new Rural Health Innovation Program.

What does the Farm Bill have to do with rural health?  Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer at the National Rural Health Association joined RHV to discuss why the Farm Bill matters and what you can do to support it. NRHA Advocacy campaigns can be found here.

Why does rural Virginia need advanced degrees in nursing?  Dr. Laurie Anne Ferguson, of Emory & Henry joined RHV to discuss their new Master's in Nursing program.

Who is Foresight Health and why are they coming to rural Virginia?  Dr. Sameer Suhail joined RHV to discuss his commitment to the people of Patrick County. Media on Foresight in Patrick County: https://www.newsweek.com/rural-americans-dont-have-access-health-care-so-im-building-hospital-appalachia-opinion-1743402 https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/local/stuart-hospital-to-reopen-in-2023-two-mobile-health-units-coming-to-patrick-co-soon/article_f7eb6554-23e1-11ed-831f-dfbbdae04a0b.html https://theenterprise.net/hospitals-new-owner-to-create-local-advisory-board-emergency-department-to-open-by-years-end/ https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/local/patrick-county-hospital-struggles-to-reopen/article_1324b22a-9c15-11ed-8c40-7b03e5aab85a.html#tracking-source=home-top-story https://cardinalnews.org/2023/02/15/confusion-swirls-about-when-patrick-countys-hospital-scheduled-to-open-early-2023-will-really-launch/

Mark Cruise of STRONG ACC joined RHV to discuss their commitment to the next generation. Plan ahead to attend the Rural Health Voice conference.  The 2023 event will be held November 15 & 16 in Blacksburg

Why do nurses decide to go into other fields?  Tiffany Turner from Appalshop joined RHV to discuss her transition from nursing to community engagement.

When does drug diversion mean taking care of your family?  China Scherz & Joshua Burraway of the University of Virginia joined me to discuss the moral economics of suboxone trade in Southwest Virginia. Article link: Keeping it in the family. Did you know? Updated COVID vaccines are here for people 6 months and older to help protect against Omicron. Text your ZIP code to 438829 or visit vaccines.gov to find updated vaccines near you.

What unique challenges do farmers have in staying healthy?  Dr. Amy Johnson, Family Nurse Practitioner with the Centra Medical Group joined me to discuss her perspective as both a farmer and a nurse. More information on AgriSafe: Main web page AgriStress Helpline

What is a CRNA?  Johanna Newman DNAP, CRNA of Mary Baldwin University joined RHV to discuss their new Nurse Anesthesiology Program. Information for prospective students here. Mary Baldwin University website: Main page Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences CRNA program  Information for prospective students

What is Virginia doing with the millions of dollars it will receive from the opioid lawsuits?  Tony McDowell, Executive Director of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority joined RHV to discuss how those funds will be used. To learn more about the work of the Authority, make sure you check out one of their upcoming listening sessions.