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Rural Virginia in Focus
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Strengthening Rural Communities through Prevention
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Event Highlights from the Highland FFA & 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources Field Day
The Virginia State Office of Rural Health was pleased to attend the Highland County Agricultural Field Day, where students and community members from Bath and Highland Counties explored the connection between agriculture, conservation, and health.
Bath Community Hospital led the effort by providing Food is Medicine education, sharing practical nutrition guidance, and offering healthy snacks. Their work highlights how nutritional education and access to healthy foods can support prevention, improve health outcomes, and strengthen rural communities.
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Rural Partner Spotlight
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Page Memorial Hospital opens the new Centennial Trail
On April 21st, Page Memorial Hospital officially opened the new Centennial Trail on its campus, celebrating a project made possible through strong community support. Chairman Bill Dudley expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Foundation’s donors and to everyone who contributed their time and effort, from the early concept phase through construction, to create a trail the entire community can enjoy.
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Policy Updates
Governor Spanberger Announces $2.48 Million Investment to Expand Access to Capital Across Virginia
RICHMOND, VA, — Governor Abigail Spanberger on May 1, 2026, announced $2.48 million in strategic investments through the Commonwealth’s Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF), supporting six transformative projects that will expand access to financing for underserved communities across Virginia.
National Association of Rural Health Clinics 2026 Policy Survey Report
Summarizes results of a 2026 national survey of Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). Presents data on the average payer mix, telehealth use and management trends, Medicare Advantage (MA) contracts and reimbursement rates compared to traditional Medicare rates, value-based care participation, challenges, and more.
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Funding Focus
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HRSA Notice's of Funding Opportunities
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND)
The purpose of the LEND program is to improve the quality of care for children and youth with autism/developmental disabilities (DD) by training health and related professionals to meet their needs across the lifespan. LEND programs train health and other professionals to screen, diagnose, and provide services for children and youth with autism/DD.
Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-26-019, Grants.gov
Dates to Apply: Application closes June 1, 2026
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) Training Program
The LEAP Training Program establishes pathway programs that aim to expand the MCH workforce. These programs increase access to healthcare and public health services for MCH populations, including in rural or other underserved communities.
Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-26-018, Grants.gov
Dates to Apply: Application closes June 1, 2026
HRSA -Fiscal Year 2026 Expanding Nutrition Services
$125 million to increase access to nutrition services at HRSA-funded health centers through the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Expanding Nutrition Services (ENS) Notice of Funding Opportunity. Nutrition services can help to prevent, manage, and treat diseases and conditions through nutritional and food-based interventions. This funding will support more than 350 health centers.
Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-26-099,
Grants.gov
Dates to Apply: Application closes June 9, 2026
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Workforce Corner
Update on the VDH Nursing Workforce Incentive Programs
On March 31, 2026, Governor Spanberger signed Senate Bill 405, a bill that transfers all existing nursing workforce incentive programs at VDH to the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority’s (VHWDA) Virginia Nursing Workforce Center effective July 1, 2026. In preparation for this transition, VDH will no longer accept Nurse Preceptor Incentive Program (NPIP) applications after April 30, 2026. Any applications received by April 30, 2026, will be reviewed by VDH for processing. Please bookmark the Virginia Nursing Workforce Center’s website to get the latest information on NPIP and how to apply.
NRHA Career Center
Take advantage of our job seeker account features below to help you do your research, find the right job opportunity, and get your experience and skill set in front of your ideal employer.
3RNET
The Nation’s Most Trusted Resource for Health Professionals Seeking
Careers in Rural and Underserved Communities. It is the job board when it comes to rural and underserved opportunities for over 300 different health care professions & specialties.
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Resource Spotlight
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Perinatal Health Hubs Pilot Program
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has announced the launch of the first-ever Perinatal Health Hubs Pilot Program, marking a major step forward in strengthening care for Virginia families before, during, and after childbirth. Four organizations have been selected to serve as the program’s inaugural Perinatal Health Hubs Pilot Program.
Rockbridge Area Health Center, Lexington, VA
Child Development Resources, Inc. Williamsburg, VA
Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA
Strength in Peers, Inc Harrisonburg, VA
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Training & Events
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Food for Thought- Supporting Physical & Mental Wellness Through Nutrition
Friday, May 22 - 12 pm - 4 pm
Bath Community Hospital, Hot Springs, VA
Join Bath Community Hospital for a free community event during Mental Health Awareness Month focused on the connection between nutrition, brain health, and overall wellbeing. This engaging event will offer insights on how food supports both physical and mental health, along with opportunities to meet the behavioral health team and connect with local partners. Open to all community members.
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49th Annual Rural Health Conference and 11th Rural Hospital Innovation Summit
A week filled with unique opportunities to advance rural health
May 19 - 22, 2026
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3RNET National Conference for the Future of Family Medicine
Join us in Kansas City, MO this summer!
July 30 – August 1, 2026
This is your biggest in-person marketing opportunity of the year with 3RNET. 3RNET makes it easy for you to show up and shine!
When you join us at FUTURE, you’re putting your state directly in front of family medicine residents and students who are actively planning their careers.
This is your chance to build relationships, spark interest, and grow your candidate pipeline face-to-face!
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Critical Access Conference
Kansas City, MO
September 16 - 18, 2026, Registration opens in May.
This is your chance to take advantage of over 40 educational and networking opportunities designed for clinic and hospital professionals and board members serving rural America.
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Wellness on Wheels (WOW) is on the move!
The Central Shenandoah Health District purchased the mobile unit in 2019 and fully refurbished it in 2024. Now renamed Wellness on Wheels (WOW), it’s a fully functioning mobile clinic complete with a private exam space and a patient bathroom.
Depending on the location, WOW currently offers free wellness checks (blood pressure and blood sugar screenings) and free STI testing.
Check out our event calendar to see where WOW will be next? Questions- cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov,
(540) 332‑7830
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On the Air
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RHLR Live: Episode #418
Learn about how Zachary D'Argonne and the EPHC are making a difference in rural healthcare!
EPHC is a collaboration of rural hospitals working together to provide excellent healthcare services for the rural communities on the Eastern Plains of Colorado and surrounding areas, while increasing the sustainability of its members.
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VHHA Patients Come First Podcast
This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. Jane Russell, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bath Community Hospital in Hot Springs, VA. She joins for a conversation about her professional journey, the work of Bath Community Hospital as a rural, critical access provider, and more.
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Healthy Rural Living
Healthy Eyes, Healthy Lives
You’ve heard that the eyes are the window to the soul, but did you know they’re also a window to your health? When you make healthy lifestyle choices, like eating a balanced diet and staying physically active, you are also protecting your vision. In fact, there are several health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, that can increase your risk of some eye diseases. Making healthy choices for your overall health can protect your eye health, too.
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Maternal Health Focus
Resources for Providers
Are you a health care provider in Virginia looking to support pregnant and parenting families? Then this page is for you! Whether you routinely serve pregnant and postpartum families, or find yourself in need of more education on this population for the first time, below are a variety of resources that can be helpful to you.
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Follow Us!
"Like" us on Facebook and visit our website to receive updates on Virginia rural health issues and important messages from our community partners.
Visit the VA-SORH Facebook Page | Visit our VA-SORH Website
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