Community Forums

Rural communities are not immune from the fundamental restructuring that is taking place in the health care marketplace. Consolidation of services excludes rural providers from input, leading to a loss of both local ownership of the delivery system and control of the health care dollars.

If local communities take a proactive role to position themselves for sustainability and growth, they can ensure the survival of local health care delivery systems.

Also, an involved community is more likely to provide reliable and long-term financial support for local health care services.

The Forum provides you with an opportunity to involve community and business leaders with health care providers in directing the evolution of your community’s health care delivery system. This process helps you to improve your health care system’s efficiency while responding to community needs.

Today you have the opportunity to be architects of your community’s health care delivery system; tomorrow your only option may be that of a tenant in the system.

Through the Community Forums, the Center will present data on the economic impact of the health care sector in your community and facilitate discussion that focuses on the impact the changing health care delivery system can have on your community and how community leaders can be part of a decision making process to ensure survival.

We will work with you, health care providers, your development authority, chamber of commerce or other community or business leaders to plan the Forum to meet the unique needs of your community.

To suggest a Community Forum for your area, please email sharon.lansdale@wvruralhealth.org or call 304.766.1591.