Members of Senator Kaine's team visits Clinch Valley Medical Center

Pictured from left to right: Brian Stilwell, Charlie Jones, Peter Mulkey, Samantha Koehler

RICHLANDS, VA – Clinch Valley Medical Center recently welcomed members of U.S. Senator Tim Kaine’s team for a visit focused on the current state of rural healthcare and the issues that will shape the future of healthcare delivery in Southwest Virginia.

Samantha Koehler, Senior Health Policy Advisor, and Charlie Jones, Regional Director for Southwest Virginia, visited Clinch Valley Medical Center for an in-depth discussion with Clinch Valley Health President and CEO Peter Mulkey.

The conversation centered on the rapidly changing healthcare landscape and the unique challenges facing rural hospitals. Hospital leadership shared perspectives on what rural healthcare providers need to continue delivering high-quality care, maintaining essential services, supporting their workforce, and meeting the needs of the communities they serve.

The discussion also provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of ensuring rural hospitals have the resources and support necessary to remain strong and sustainable. Rural healthcare providers face unique challenges related to workforce, reimbursement, access to services, and the changing needs of their communities. Senator Kaine has previously worked on legislation and initiatives focused on strengthening rural healthcare access and supporting rural hospitals.

Following the discussion, Koehler and Jones toured Clinch Valley Medical Center and met with several department leaders. The site tour offered an opportunity for the Senator’s team to see the hospital’s operations firsthand and learn more about the people and services supporting patients throughout Southwest Virginia.

“Having the opportunity to sit down with Senator Kaine’s team and speak openly about the challenges and opportunities facing rural healthcare is incredibly valuable,” said Peter Mulkey, CEO of Clinch Valley Health. “Healthcare is changing rapidly, and we want to make sure the voices of our patients, employees, physicians, and rural communities are part of that conversation. We appreciate Samantha and Charlie taking the time to come to Clinch Valley, listen to our concerns, and learn more about what it takes to provide care in a rural community.”

The visit also allowed department leaders to share the work their teams are doing every day to provide patients with access to quality care close to home. From clinical services to operational support, each department plays an important role in ensuring Clinch Valley Medical Center can continue serving the region.

For Clinch Valley Health, maintaining strong relationships with community, state, and federal leaders is an important part of advocating for the future of rural healthcare.

“One of the most important things we can do is continue having these conversations,” Mulkey said. “We know that the healthcare environment will continue to evolve. Our responsibility is to adapt, advocate for our community, and make sure we are positioned to continue providing the care our region needs.”

Clinch Valley Medical Center thanks Samantha Koehler and Charlie Jones for visiting the hospital, engaging with its leadership and department teams, and taking the time to learn more about the healthcare needs of Southwest Virginia.

Clinch Valley Health remains committed to working with healthcare partners and policymakers to strengthen rural healthcare and continue Making Communities Healthier.