Protecting Access to Rural Community Living for People with Disabilities
In this free virtual summit, we will explore the intersecting forces shaping the future of home health care. Drawing on data, research, and boots-on-the-ground experience, we’ll examine challenges such as inconsistent funding, barriers to rural delivery, and shifting labor protections, while also highlighting strategies for growth and resilience.
The summit will include an RTC:Rural presentation of existing research and a panel discussion on factors affecting the rural direct care workforce, as well as potential opportunities to increase capacity and local coordination. Panelists will include:
- Stephen McCall, Director of Research & Evaluation, PHI, will contribute additional research and evaluation data on direct-care jobs and guidance on crafting evidence-based policies that help provide high-quality care.
- Janessa Mosley, State Director, Consumer Direct Care Network Montana | South Dakota, will provide perspective from a regional company that provides in-home, self-directed care, and her experience advocating for and implementing the Healthcare for Healthcare Workers initiative in Montana.
- Shyla Patera, Policy Peer Program Coordinator, North Central Independent Living Services, Inc. (NCILS), will give insights from her lived experience and her role at a Center for Independent Living that operates a self-directed Personal Assistance Program.
- Lillie Greiman, Project Director, RTC:Rural, will speak about RTC:Rural’s research and role in the ever-changing world of rural healthcare and Independent Living.
Join us as we discuss advocacy, coalition-building, and innovative care models that can strengthen and sustain this essential workforce. CART and ASL will be provided.
Critical Access Hospital Summit
June 2, 2026
Blackburn Inn – Staunton, VA
$25.00 Registration Fee
*Free lodging for Virginia CAH Staff – Room requests must be made by May 8, 2026*
SPEAKERS
- Policy Updates from Capitol Hill – Alan Morgan, MPA – CEO, National Rural Health Association
- AI in the Rural Hospital Setting – Kayur Patel, MD, MRO, FACP, FAAPL, FACHE, FACEP – Chief Medical Officer, myprivateMD
- Updates from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy – Speaker TBD
2026 Rural Health Summit
June 3-4, 2026
Blackburn Inn, Staunton, VA
Registration Fee:
$25.00 VRHA Members/$50.00 Non-Members
Free Lodging for Virginia RHC Staff!
*Request for complimentary hotel room MUST be made by May 8, 2026*
Speakers:
- Shannon Chambers, Senior Director of Provider Solutions, South Carolina Office of Rural Health
- Katarina Rampe, M.D., Supervisor, Division of Acute Care Services, Office of Licensure and Certification
- Mo Sullivan, Deputy Director of Government Affairs, NARHC
- Patty and Jeff Harper, InQuiseek Consulting
- Angie Prater, Southwest Region Program Manager of VMAP and Dr. Jaclyn Nunziato, OB/GYN VMAP
Overview
This event brings together partners across disciplines to strengthen collaboration and better support for pregnant and parenting women and their families impacted by substance use.
Who should attend:
- Healthcare providers (OB/GYNs, pediatricians, nurses)
- Behavioral health and substance use treatment professionals
- Social service and child welfare staff
- Recovery and prevention professionals
- Community-based organizations
- Judicial and legal system partners
- Perinatal support professionals (doulas, community health workers, home visitors, peer recovery specialists)
- Attendees will engage in sessions on the science of addiction, community health approaches, and strategies to support the whole family unit. The conference will also include updates on Virginia’s strategic plan for substance-exposed infants, titled Pathways to Coordinated Care.
All attendees can receive certificates of attendance. We are also planning to offer continuing education credits for:
- Physicians (MD/DO/PA)
- Nurses
- Social Workers
- Addiction Specialists and Peer Recovery Professionals
- And more – ask VDH staff if you have specific questions
Fee Information
- Registration is FREE
- Breakfast and lunch are provided
- Special rate available for lodging
- Parking is complimentary
Business Research Intelligence Network presents the Rural Healthcare Innovation Summit, bringing together healthcare executives, rural health leaders, nurses, community health professionals and policymakers to explore innovative strategies for transforming rural healthcare delivery and improving outcomes for the nearly 60 million Americans living in rural areas.
This summit aims to equip healthcare organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to develop sustainable rural health programs that improve access to care, enhance clinical outcomes and drive health equity. Speakers will share practical strategies for overcoming workforce shortages, implementing telehealth and mobile health solutions, building community partnerships and navigating the unique regulatory and reimbursement landscape of rural healthcare.
Now in its 14th year, the MATRC Telehealth Summit moves beyond laying the foundation to elevating what comes next—bringing together healthcare leaders, community organizations, policymakers, and industry collaborators to actively shape the future of care delivery. This isn’t just about sharing ideas – it’s where they’re tested, refined, and put into action.
This year’s Summit includes a dedicated Rural Health Track designed to elevate practical solutions, community-driven innovation, and the realities of delivering care in rural communities.
The Syndemic Summit returns in 2026, uniting leaders and frontline experts to confront the intersecting health crises facing rural America.
The Syndemic Summit will bring together experts, advocates, community leaders, and policymakers across the Appalachian region to address and provide solutions to pressing health crises—particularly those surrounding HIV, hepatitis, and overdose prevention. We are excited to bring our rural partners together to strategize and collaborate this year, especially given the need for organizations and communities to mobilize.
Hosted by the Community Education Group
Virginia Community Healthcare Association invites you to join us at our 2026 Annual Membership Meeting and Conference this September in Williamsburg, Virginia – a city where history, innovation, and community converge. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, Williamsburg’s rich heritage offers a unique backdrop to celebrate our accomplishments and envision the future of healthcare in our communities.
Our conference theme, “From Colonial Clinics to Community Health Centers: Pioneering the Next Era of Healthcare in Virginia,” reflects the remarkable journey of healthcare in our state. From the earliest colonial clinics serving local populations to modern community health centers addressing complex and evolving needs, Virginia has long been at the forefront of innovation, access and community-driven care.
Your participation demonstrates support for Virginia’s Community Health Centers and other essential safety-net providers, while championing the critical expansion of healthcare access for every Virginian. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!
- Call for Speakers!
- VCHA Membership Awards Nomination Form (Coming Soon!)
- Exhibitor and Sponsorship Opportunities
- Book Your Hotel
- Registration (Coming Soon!)
The 2026 ATRN Annual Health Summit is scheduled to take place in Columbus, Ohio, from Monday, October 12th – Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The Summit is hosted by The Ohio State University and will take place at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center (2201 Fred Taylor Drive Columbus, OH 43210)
Theme: Listening, Learning, and Leading: Translating Research to Strengthen Health for Appalachia
Join us as we delve into crucial discussions surrounding the dynamic and evolving health landscape in the Appalachian region. With a focus on innovative strategies and collaborative approaches, this summit aims to address pressing challenges and explore opportunities for enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Registration will be open soon!
Key Topics Include:
- Behavioral Science and Health Behaviors (Substance Use, Nutrition, Exercise, Smoking, etc.)
- Clinical and Translational Research
- Clinical Conditions/Diseases (Cancer, Mental Health, Diabetes, etc.)
- Data Access for Community Decision Making
- Disease Prevention and Treatment (Drug Development, Mental Health, Pain Management, etc.)
- Dissemination and Implementation Science
- Environmental Health
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Access to Quality Care for All
- Health Literacy, Health Misinformation, Health Communication, Trust in Science
- Health Related Policy Implementation and Enforcement
- Impact of Bidirectional Learning Between Communities and Their Academic Partners
- Impact of Consolidated/Closed Health Organizations in Appalachia
- Program Development and Evaluation
- Training, Education, and Workforce Development
- Translational Health, Informatics, Telemedicine, and Data-Driven Technologies
Free event for primary care/hospitalist physicians, nurse practitioners, and medical residents working in Southwest Virginia’s 13 counties.
2026 SESSIONS:
Loneliness Epidemic
Obesity/Weight Loss
Vaccine Hesitancy
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Tick Borne Diseases
Mental Health Challenges
Black Maternal Health
Pain Management
Pediatric Sessions
Provided by the Virginia Mental Health Access Program
Autism
Perinatal Substance Use
Secondary Substance Exposure
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.
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.
At this event, we focus on finding solutions within our communities. We know what the problems are – how do we work together to solve them?
Bringing the people who care about rural Virginia together provides an opportunity to discuss how we can ensure the sustainability of rural Virginia through policy, access, economics, education and more.