Radford University announces formation of Center for Rural Health Partner Council, plans to establish new center

Radford University is partnering with leading organizations across Southwest and Southside Virginia to form the Center for Rural Health Partner Council, focused on addressing workforce needs, expanding access to care and tackling persistent health disparities in the region.

As part of this broader effort, and aligned with its six-year strategic plan, Shaping Tomorrow — Together, the establishment of the center will further advance the university’s goal of becoming the premier destination for healthcare education and talent in Southwest Virginia. 

“Radford University is committed to supporting the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Southwest and Southside Virginia,” said President Bret Danilowicz. “We look forward to working with Partner Council members to empower communities with the information and resources they need to ultimately shape their own futures and build healthier, more resilient populations. Through the Center for Rural Health, we seek to strengthen healthcare capacity in the region by training providers and conducting research focused on understanding and addressing health disparities.  

The Center for Rural Health Partner Council includes representatives from major health systems, including Ballad Health, Carilion Clinic, LewisGale Regional Health System and Lifepoint, as well as regional organizations and foundations such as the Appalachian Power Foundation, Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation, Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation, EO, The Harvest Foundation, The United Company Foundation, The Wells Fargo Foundation, Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia and Wythe-Bland Foundation. Higher education partners include University of Virginia's College at Wise, the UVA Wise Healthy Appalachia Institute, and Virginia Community College System institutions across Southwest and Southside Virginia. 

The Partner Council will play a vital role in identifying emerging healthcare trends, recommending high-impact initiatives, aligning regional efforts and strengthening communication among stakeholders at the regional, state and federal levels. It will also provide strategic guidance and regional insight to shape the center’s priorities and impact. 

The Center for Rural Health’s work will be guided by core objectives that include strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce pipeline, expanding opportunities for students to train in rural settings and reducing the cost of healthcare education for students. The center aims to increase job placement for graduates in the region and to collect and analyze health disparity data to better serve communities with the greatest needs. In addition, it will work to secure resources to address those disparities while ensuring its efforts complement, rather than duplicate, the work of existing healthcare providers and organizations.  

“Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation is excited to be a council partner,” said President and CEO Bob Carden. “We share the belief that lasting change begins with strong partnerships, rooted in the communities we serve. The Center for Rural Health will be a catalyst for improving access, strengthening the healthcare workforce and ensuring that individuals and families across our region can lead healthier lives.”

The Center for Rural Health Partner Council is scheduled to convene its first meeting on June 2 at Radford University, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to address some of the region’s most pressing healthcare challenges.