Clinch Valley Health Hosts Virginia Health Leaders for Discussion on Rural Healthcare

From left to right: Peter Mulkey, Sherpri Small, Marvin B. Figueroa, Brian Beck, Will Moorefield, Alicia Bales, Brian Stilwell, Mary Cole, Heidi Hertz, Thomas Lester, & Caleb Perkins

RICHLANDS, VA – Clinch Valley Health recently welcomed Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa and Virginia Director of Rural Health Transformation Heidi Hertz for an important discussion focused on the challenges facing rural healthcare providers and the future of access to care in Southwest Virginia.

The visit provided an opportunity for Clinch Valley Health leaders to discuss the unique challenges of providing healthcare in a rural community, as well as concerns surrounding changes associated with H.R. 1 and their potential impact on patients, healthcare providers and communities across the Commonwealth.

Virginia’s Office of Health and Human Resources has identified potential effects of H.R. 1 on Medicaid coverage, Virginia’s healthcare safety net and local economies. The Commonwealth has also acknowledged that these effects may not be felt equally across Virginia, making it particularly important to identify communities where gaps in coverage, capacity and resources may emerge. [hhr.virginia.gov], [hhr.virginia.gov]

The conversation at Clinch Valley Health also comes as Virginia continues its efforts to strengthen rural healthcare through the Rural Health Transformation Program. In August, the Commonwealth announced more than $122 million in investments through the program to support rural healthcare providers, expand access to care, invest in innovative technology and strengthen the rural healthcare workforce. The program serves more than 1.5 million Virginians across 76 rural localities. [hhr.virginia.gov]

“The ground is shifting under our health care system, and rural communities are feeling that uncertainty in real time,” Secretary Figueroa said in Virginia’s August announcement regarding the Rural Health Transformation Program. “These investments allow us to create stability where we can, innovate where it makes sense, and keep care within reach for the people who need it.” [hhr.virginia.gov]

Hertz has also emphasized the importance of investing in rural Virginia’s healthcare workforce and access to care. In the same announcement, Hertz said the Rural Health Transformation funds are designed to strengthen the pipeline of providers committed to rural communities and expand access through technology. [hhr.virginia.gov]

For Clinch Valley Health, hosting state healthcare leaders offered an important opportunity to share the perspective of a hospital serving Southwest Virginia and to participate in conversations about maintaining strong, accessible healthcare in rural communities.

Clinch Valley Health remains committed to serving the healthcare needs of Southwest Virginia and advocating for continued access to high-quality care close to home. Conversations and partnerships with state leaders are an important part of addressing the challenges facing rural healthcare and helping ensure the needs of rural patients and communities remain part of the discussion.

Clinch Valley Health thanks Secretary Figueroa and Director Hertz for taking the time to visit, listen and engage in a meaningful conversation about the future of rural healthcare in Virginia.