WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health celebrates 15 years of transforming rural health in West Virginia
The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health (ICRH) is proud to commemorate its 15th anniversary, marking a decade and a half of unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of West Virginia's rural communities. Since its establishment, the ICRH has worked tirelessly to address health disparities and the unique healthcare needs of rural residents through innovative student programs, vital community outreach, and strategic workforce development initiatives.
Dedicated to the Mountain State
As part of West Virginia University's land-grant mission, the ICRH coordinates rural health education and service opportunities across all WVU Health Sciences schools in collaboration with the WV Area Health Education Centers (AHECs). The Institute exposes health professions students to rural communities through vital clinical rotations, providing them with hands-on training and fostering a deep understanding of rural practice environments in hopes they will stay and serve the communities they trained in. This commitment extends to financial support through service awards and scholarships, incentivizing future healthcare providers to commit to practicing in underserved areas of the state.
Major Milestones
In collaboration with the WVU Department of Family Medicine, the ICRH has reached significant milestones aimed at enhancing rural healthcare in West Virginia. The achievements include successfully establishing a dedicated Rural Track Program for medical students, facilitating 675 student rotations in rural communities during the 2023-2024 academic year, and launching a Statewide Practice-Based Research Network that connects primary care clinics to advance health improvements across the state.
Since 2001, $3.1 million have been awarded to WVU medical and dental students through the WVU ICRH Medical School and Dental school Service Awards. 83% of health professionals continue to practice in a rural/underserved area of West Virginia beyond their 5-year commitment.
The Institute for Community and Rural Health (ICRH) continues to cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals through its suite of signature student programs. By facilitating immersive initiatives, including WVU Rural Health Day, RUSH, PREP, Project REACH, the Rural Health Interest Group, CARRS, and Rural PRO; ICRH provides students with unique, hands-on experiences tailored to the complexities of rural medicine.
Beyond the classroom, ICRH is driving statewide health equity through the RCORP and God’s Way Home grants, which provide key support for those in recovery from substance use disorder. Additionally, the Institute is tackling food insecurity by collaborating with Nourish WV to bridge the gap between agriculture and healthcare, fostering sustainable food system innovation throughout the Mountain State.
A Look to the Future: Building a Healthier West Virginia
Future efforts will focus on collaboration and innovation in student programs, continued education, and workforce development, including expanding pipeline programs, offering professional development, and enhancing recruitment and retention through scholarships and rural residency programs.
The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health invites rural communities, state legislators, and faculty and staff to support its mission.
“For 15 years, the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health has been a driving force in transforming access to care for rural West Virginians. By investing in education, service, and innovation, we’ve empowered providers to serve where they are needed most—building healthier communities and a stronger future for our state. We look forward to building on our accomplishments and growing programs and services that recruit and retain health professionals and strengthen the health and well-being of rural communities,” said April Vestal, Director, WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health.
About the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health
The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health coordinates health education and service opportunities for rural communities.
Media Contact: Christie Zachary, Program Director for Student Outreach and Marketing WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health, health.wvu.edu/rural-health