November 19-20
Wintergreen Resort
Mountain Inn Building
For over twenty years, the Virginia Rural Health Association has served as “The Voice for Rural Health in Virginia.” Rural Health is DIFFERENT. Rural Americans face a unique combination of factors that create disparities in health care not found in urban areas. Economic factors, cultural and social differences, educational differences, lack of recognition by legislators and the isolation of living in remote rural areas all conspire to impede rural Americans in their struggle to lead a normal, healthy life. This event focuses on the opportunity for rural health stakeholders to hold in-depth conversations about how the issues in our communities can be addressed.
The Rural Health Voice Conference is an occasion to recognize that health in rural areas is not the sole responsibility of doctors and nurses. Education, economic development, transportation, the built environment, and even social opportunities play a role in the health of individuals and communities. All aspects of the community are providers or barriers to health.
Quick Links:
- Agenda
- Hotel Information
- Registration Details
- Student Posters/Scholarships
- 2025 VRHA Awards
- Sponsor/Exhibitor Information
Plenary Speakers
Elevating the Healthcare Workforce through Regional Collaboration
with Economic, Community, and Workforce Development Stakeholders
Bryan David, AICP
Program Director
Southern Virginia/GO Virginia Region 3
Virginia Institute of Government
Bryan David is Program Director at the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, where he leads the GO Virginia Region 3 Council in advancing economic, workforce, and community development across Southern Virginia. With over 30 years of experience as a county administrator, regional economic development leader, and local government executive, he has built deep expertise in rural and regional growth strategies. He also serves as Chair of the Council for Rural Virginia, sits on the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation Board, and contributes to the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute.
Medical Residents: Why You Want Them and How You Get Them
Dr. Wendy Welch
Executive Director
Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium
Wendy is the the executive director of the Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium and the author, coauthor, or editor of seven books, including the forthcoming Medical Mistrust from University of Tennessee Press in February 2026. She advocates for social justice in health care and other critical areas of development across Appalachia.
Amanda Hall
GME Institutional Coordinator
Family Medicine Residency Program Coordinator
Ballad Health
Amanda Hall holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources and Graduate Medical Education. She has served as a Family Medicine Coordinator for more than 12 years and as an Institutional Coordinator for over 3 years, demonstrating a strong commitment to rural training, medical education, and fostering meaningful relationships within the healthcare community. Amanda resides in the mountains of Southwest Virginia in Wise County with her husband and three daughters. She enjoys supporting community events, local restaurants, and traveling with friends.
View from the Hill
Alexa McKinley Abel, J.D.
Government Affairs/Policy Coordinator
National Rural Health Association
In her role as government affairs and policy coordinator, Alexa provides policy and research support for rural health policy and programmatic interests for the U.S. Congress, the White House, federal agencies, and other relevant state and non-governmental organizations. Before joining NRHA Alexa earned a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. During law school she interned with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, a Pittsburgh-based corporation, and served clients at the Pitt Environmental Law Clinic. Previously, she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University where she interned with the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs at the Department of Education and served as a fellow at MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research.
Breakout Sessions
Community Support for Substance Use Disorders
Mary Jo Hedrick, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
ETSU Ballad Health Strong BRAIN Institute
Mary Jo Hedrick, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor at the ETSU Ballad Health Strong BRAIN Institute. She focuses on how communities and environments influence child development and how early risk and protective factors predict future substance use. Mary Jo is passionate about equipping communities to become protective factors for children and young people who are at high risk for substance use.
Dr. Andrea Clements
Associate Director of Research Design and Implementation
ETSU Ballad Health Strong BRAIN Institute
Dr. Andrea Clements (Andi) is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at East Tennessee State University and Associate Director of Research Design and Implementation at the ETSU Ballad Health Strong BRAIN Institute. She is also President and co-founder of Uplift Appalachia, a nonprofit focused on equipping churches to walk with people who live with addictions and mental health challenges. She is well-known researcher who has developed, delivered, and studied trainings for varied audiences around trauma-responsiveness and ACEs science. Her book, The Trauma Informed Church is the basis for many of those trainings. She regularly mentors people who live with addictions and those who have been or currently are incarcerated.
Mental Healthcare in Youth
Angel Mefford
Community Education and Advocacy Coordinator
Family Crisis Support Services
Angel Mefford is currently the acting Community Education and Advocacy Coordinator for Family Crisis Support Services, located in Norton, VA. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University in 2021, specializing in crisis and trauma. Over the last ten years at Family Crisis, Angel has helped implement and deliver several youth-focused presentations covering topics such as teen dating violence, mental health in youth, and tech safety and education. In addition to leading local Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART) and Continuum of Care Coalitions, Angel currently serves on the Governing Board for the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, as well as the Board for the Virginia Rural Health Association.
Zero Suicide Framework/Implementation
Wendy Bundy
Zero Suicide Coordinator
Virginia’s Zero Suicide Hub
As the Zero Suicide Coordinator for the Virginia Zero Suicide Hub since March 2024, Wendy brings a wealth of experience to this role, with a diverse background in emergency services, higher education, and peer support. She’s dedicated to advocacy, sharing her lived experience with mental health and trauma to help others feel less alone. Wendy is also an adjunct professor at Germanna Community College and an award-winning leader in this space, having earned both the Disability Law Center of Virginia’s Impact Award and NAMI’s Lionel Aldridge Champions Award in previous years for her exceptional leadership and service. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University.
Community Approaches to Health
Bryan Price
Program Manager
Virginia Rural Health Association
Bryan Price is a native of Danville, Virginia and currently resides in South Boston, Virginia. Bryan studied Statistics, Mathematics & Computer Science at Virginia Tech. His passion is fitness, Urban Line Dancing, and advocating for racial equity and healthy living in his community. He is Board Chair for Equality Virginia and a board member of The Health Collaborative, Regional Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth Southwest Advisory Board, and the VDH Community HIV Planning Group. He is a graduate of the 2018 Class of LEAD Virginia and 2021 graduate of the National Rural Health Association’s Rural Health Fellows program. He was also appointed by former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to serve on the Commonwealth’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council.
Roshay Richardson
Breastfeeding Coordinator
Virginia Rural Health Association
Roshay, known as the SolFlower, is a passionate birthworker with autism, channeling her special interest in maternal health. As a community ambassador, doula, Lamaze International certified childbirth educator, and lead chair of the Maternal Health Taskforce for The Health Collaborative, she tirelessly advocates for the well-being of mothers & their families. Beyond her roles, she is a devoted mom, wife & friend. Created to create, Roshay finds solace and expression in many art forms with writing being her absolute favorite, weaving words to capture the beauty and complexity of life.
Danielle Montague, MPH, DSL
Program Coordinator
Virginia Rural Health Association
Danielle completed her doctoral degree at Regent University, studying Strategic Leadership, concentrating on Healthcare Leadership. She began her career at Danville Parks and Recreation. She held many different positions within the department, working her way up to Health and Wellness Program Coordinator. Danielle’s work was centered around health equity in the region. She currently resides in southside Virginia where she also teaches yoga at a meditation center and gym.
Cindi Poteat
Nutrition Coordinator
Virginia Rural Health Association
Cindi Poteat has over 30 years of experience working for federal, state, and local nonprofit organizations to build stronger, healthier communities. As the Nutrition Coordinator for VRHA’s Maternal Infant Physical Leisure Activity Nutrition (MI PLAN) program, Cindi is working to link food resources and address policies and procedures affecting food insecurity the city of Danville. She works with the community Charitable Food Bank, Salvation Army, faith based community, health arenas, and the local school systems to address food shortages. Cindi holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child and Family Studies, and a minor in Special Education. She has obtained additional certifications from Duke University and completed training through Virginia Commonwealth University as an Advanced Directive Facilitator. She is also is a Certified Community Health Worker in the state of Virginia.
Value Based Care for the Medicare Population
Pete Fronte, MBA
Founder/CEO
Altura
Pete Fronte, MBA is the founder and CEO of Altura and has over 30 years of leadership experience in the healthcare and life science sectors. Pete has a passion for and continues to develop practical yet forward thinking initiatives and technology to support patient-centered and value-based care. A particular area of focus is on delivery value-based health resources at home for convenience and to reduce provider burden. This includes increasing preventive screening and improving the health of older adults by increasing physical activity and reducing fall risk. Additionally, expanding clinical/health research access and diversity by engaging primary care and community settings, especially in underserved areas, is an area of expertise.
Strategic Risk: What Do Rural Healthcare Leaders Need to Know?
Jeff Sommer, MPP
Managing Director
Stroudwater Associates
For 25 years, Jeff Sommer has focused on assisting clients with strategic initiatives, including planning and executing major capital projects, analyzing strategic options, crafting of innovative affiliations and executing business development opportunities. His recent work includes affiliation planning assistance for multiple community hospitals; strategic planning and capital planning services in support of replacement hospitals; ambulatory service planning for a Midwest health system and a New England community hospital; and expert witness testimony in a Maryland Certificate of Need hearing. He has been a presenter at regional and national meetings of healthcare professional societies, including the Congress of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Estes Park Institute. Jeff earned his B.A. from Williams College and a master’s degree in Public Policy with a focus on health policy and management from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Life Saving Rural Trauma Tips – How Targeted Education Improves Outcomes
Ottilia Lewis, BSN, RN, TCRN
Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Ottilia Lewis, BSN, RN, TCRN is a dedicated trauma and critical care nurse with nearly a decade of experience in high-acuity settings. She currently serves as the Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator at Carilion Clinic, supporting the Level I Trauma Center at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. In this role, Ottilia leads emergency and trauma education programs and initiatives for community members, EMS providers, clinical staff, and rural hospitals across Virginia and neighboring states; her work plays a vital role in strengthening trauma response systems and enhancing care delivery in rural and underserved areas. She contributes to prevention efforts in her collaborations with various regional and national organizations including the Injury Prevention Council of the American Trauma Society. Ottilia brings clinical expertise, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for equitable care to every aspect of her work.
Rural Cancer Care Delivery
Wade Swenson
Founder
Rural Cancer Institute
Wade Swenson, MD, MPH, MBA, is a medical oncologist committed to advancing cancer care in underserved rural communities. As Medical Director at Lakewood Health System, he leads strategic initiatives to improve access, quality, and outcomes in rural oncology. He also serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Dakota, and contributes to national quality and policy efforts through his leadership roles with the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Swenson is the founder of the Rural Cancer Institute, an organization dedicated to addressing cancer disparities and driving innovative solutions for rural populations.
Agenda
Wednesday, November 19
8:30 Breakfast
9:00 Welcome
9:15 Medical Residents: Why You Want Them and How You Get Them
Dr. Wendy Welch, Amanda Hall
10:15 Break
10:30 Breakout Sessions
11:45 Lunch/Awards Ceremony
2:00 Breakout Sessions
3:15 Break
3:30 Breakout Sessions
4:45 Break
5:00 Reception & Student Poster Judging
6:00 Student Poster Awards
Thursday, November 20
8:30 Breakfast
9:00 Student Essay Winner
9:30 View from the Hill
Alexa McKinley Abel, J.D.
11:00 Elevating the Healthcare Workforce through Regional Collaboration
with Economic, Community, and Workforce Development Stakeholders
R. Bryan David, AICP
12:00 Conference Ends
Lodging & Location
Wintergreen Resort
GPS Address: 39 Mountain Inn Loop, Roseland, VA
During the winter months, the Blue Ridge Parkway is frequently closed. We recommend following Rt 151 in Nelson County.
The Conference will take place at the Mountain Inn Building in the Commonwealth Ballroom. Room check-in is also at the Mountain Inn Building.
To Book a Room, Call (855) 826 – 5861 and let them know you need the VRHA rate.
- Room Rate: $129 per night (+ 10% resort fee, 12.3% sales tax)
- Hotel reservations must be made by October 27 to guarantee a room at the discounted rate.
- Accessibility Note: Please notify hotel staff if you need a room with few or zero steps. There are no elevators.
Traveling to the Conference as a Group?
2/3/4/5 bedroom condos or houses are available!
- Larger units can be added to our room block at a higher rate, but are still available at a discounted price. If interested, let the attendant know when you call.
Registration
Event registration includes a 2026 VRHA membership for one individual (does not apply to organizational memberships)
- VRHA Members– $275
- Discount Code available every week in VRHA’s e-newsletter beginning July 8th.
- Discount Code available every week in VRHA’s e-newsletter beginning July 8th.
- Non-Member Rate – $330
- Students – $95 Both Days
- 11/19 Only: $75.00
- 11/20 Only: $30.00
Reduced rate for one-day attendance is only available to students.
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CANCELLATIONS/REFUND POLICY:
- For cancellations received by The Virginia Rural Health Association at least 30 days prior to a conference or seminar, a full refund, less a 30% processing fee, will be provided to the registrant.
- For cancellations received less than 30 days prior to a conference or seminar, a credit towards attendance at a future conference or seminar will be provided.
- No refunds or credits will be provided for no-shows and cancellation notifications received after the conference or seminar is held.
Student Essay Contest
VRHA is inviting students who are in any health or public policy program to submit essays on why they want to serve rural communities. Three essays will be selected to receive free conference registration.
The author of the winning essay will have the honor of reading the essay at the conference, plus 2 complimentary nights at the hotel and a $500 cash prize!
SUBMISSION DEADLINE HAS PASSED.
Student Poster Presentations
2025 Student Poster Presentations
Workforce and Community Health: Food Insecurity in Extension Employees
Victor Olayemi – Virginia Tech
Embodied Stress Regulation in Rural South-Central Virginia Adults
Rachel Rogers – Radford University
Mental Health and Access to Gender-Affirming Care in Southwest Virginia
Alexandra Kaiser – Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Community and Structural Lessons from Hurricane Helene’s Rural Impact
Lea Lenker – Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Engaging Community Voices to Address Substance Use Disorder in Rural Virginia: Findings from Halifax Co.
Victor Boahen – Virginia Tech
High-Resolution Analysis of Sociodemographic Characteristics of Households with Private Wells
Caroline Sear – Virginia Tech
Upbringing in Endemic Areas as a Predictor of Provider Preparedness
David Grace – Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
A Retrospective Study on the Effects of Environmental Exposures on the Incidence of Melanoma
Zaineb Saeed – Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Persistent Urban-Rural Inequity in Cancer Clinical Trial Availability Across Virginia: A Population-Adjusted Analysis
Tara Menon – Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Modeling Forest Dynamics for Ecosystem Service Provision on Military Installations
Emily Matthews – Virginia Tech
Prizes:
First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
The Poster Presentations provide participants with the ideal opportunity to disseminate information to other rural health stakeholders. Poster Presentations may include research projects, case studies, clinical evaluations, case presentations, observations, unusual or uncommon situations and other topics as they relate to rural health. All types of health professions and public policy students are encouraged to submit applications for consideration. Posters co-authored by professionals are acceptable as long as the student is the lead author and presenter
All posters must have a Virginia perspective: either submitted by a student from Virginia, or by a student attending a Virginia school, or a poster topic on a Virginia issue. Entries with no relation to Virginia will not be considered.
Categories & Judging:
Presentations will be reviewed and judged by the following criteria –
- Rural relevance (30 points)
- Presenter – enthusiastic, professional, well-prepared (20 points)
- Interpretation of data (10 points)
- Abstract or summary of findings (10 points)
- Proper reference/citations (10 points)
- Background & Rationale (10 points)
- General overview/layout of the poster (10 points)
Submission information and general instructions:
- Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed by the planning committee.
- SUBMISSION DEADLINE HAS PASSED.
- Presenters may not use posters to market products or services; exhibit space is available for that purpose.
- No honoraria or travel expense reimbursement will be provided.
- The presenter is responsible for having the poster printed and bringing a display easel to the event.
VRHA Awards
All Virginia Rural Health Association members and member organizations are invited to submit nominations for the 2025 Virginia Rural Health Association Awards. Nominees are not required to be members of the association. Commitment and service to the advancement of rural health in Virginia may be in the form of direct provision of health care services, governmental or educational advocacy, activities or research that improves the health of communities or populations.
Awardees Categories:
Lawmaker of the Year – Lawmaker of the Year is designed to give special recognition to an elected official at any level who has demonstrated support for improving health in rural Virginia.
The Charles Crowder, Jr. Award – This award is given annually by the Virginia Rural Health Association to recognize outstanding individual commitment and service to the advancement of rural health in Virginia.
The Best Practices in Rural Health Award – This award is given annually by the Virginia Rural Health Association to recognize a program or institution that exemplifies commitment and service to the advancement of rural health in Virginia.
The Ken Studer Friend of the Association Award – This award is given to recognize a program, institution or individual that has advocated for or aided the Association in support of the Association’s mission.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE HAS PASSED.
Read about our past honorees here.
Sponsors & Exhibitors
The Rural Health Voice Conference creates unique networking opportunities and a forum to discuss how we can strengthen the healthcare safety net through collaboration, share best practices and best utilize community resources. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Target Audience:
The conference is attended by approximately 125-150 people, which includes facility executives, academic faculty, clinic staff, government officials, health professions students and more.
2025 Conference Sponsors:
PLATINUM
GOLD
JACKSON-WEST CONSULTING, LLC
SILVER
BRONZE
BAG SPONSOR
EXHIBITORS
For more information about the conference or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Meghan Stump
Executive Assistant
meghan@vrha.org