Presentations Sought for West Virginia Rural Health Conference
West Virginia University is now accepting presentation proposals for the annual West Virginia Rural Health Conference, scheduled to take place this fall. The event, a longstanding tradition dedicated to improving rural health outcomes across the state, offers a platform for healthcare professionals, educators, students, and community leaders to share innovative ideas and best practices.
Organized in partnership with the West Virginia Rural Health Association, the conference seeks to highlight the unique challenges and successes in delivering quality healthcare in rural and underserved communities. Presenters are invited to submit proposals that focus on practical solutions, groundbreaking research, and collaborative programs that have positively impacted rural health.
“This conference brings together voices from every corner of our state,” said Dr. Emma Lewis, Director of WVU’s Office of Health Services Outreach. “It’s a chance to connect, learn, and innovate in ways that benefit rural West Virginians directly.”
This year’s theme, Bridging the Gap: Equity and Innovation in Rural Health, emphasizes the importance of addressing health disparities while integrating modern technology and community-driven strategies. The conference committee is particularly interested in topics that address mental health, substance use disorder, rural workforce development, and telehealth implementation.
Proposals will be evaluated based on relevance, clarity, innovation, and potential for real-world impact. Both individual and panel presentations are welcome, and submissions are open to professionals from healthcare, public health, academia, and nonprofit sectors.
In addition to presentations, the conference will feature keynote addresses, student poster sessions, and networking opportunities. Past participants have praised the event for fostering collaboration and sparking new initiatives across Appalachian communities.
The deadline for submission is July 15, 2025. Interested individuals can submit their proposals through the official conference website. Acceptance notifications will be sent out in August.
WVU encourages students, faculty, and community partners to participate and contribute to the collective goal of healthier rural communities. For questions or additional information, contact the WV Rural Health Conference planning team at ruralhealth@hsc.wvu.edu.