Date: November 12-14, 2025
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Huntington in Huntington, WV
Join WVRHA this year in Huntington to explore best practices for rural health alongside colleagues from across the state and nation. Together, we’ll “Build Bridges as We Amplify Rural Perspectives in Healthcare.”
The 33rd Annual West Virginia Rural Health Conference, hosted by WVRHA, is the largest gathering of rural health professionals in the state. Join us from November 12th – 14th at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Huntington, WV.
We’re thrilled to connect with everyone this fall in Huntington!
Join healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates for an engaging conference focused on “Building Bridges: Amplifying Rural Perspectives in Healthcare.”
Registration is Open!
Exclusive Early Bird Pricing for WVRHA Members – Register by August 15!
In-Person Registration:
Virtual Registration:
Please note: WVRHA partners with Cvent to provide part of our conference content in a virtual format. By signing up for the virtual conference, I acknowledge that accessing the virtual conference content for the 33rd Annual WV Rural Health Conference requires technology meeting the specifications described at the link here.
No refunds will be offered for incompatible technology.
Cvent details their platform accessibility at the link here.
Secure your spot today and be part of shaping the future of Rural Health in West Virginia!
Not a member yet? Join here before you register for the conference.
For questions or to request more information, please email WVRHA’s registration team here: info@wvrha.org
2025 Conference Agenda Coming soon!
Past Conference Agendas:
We are pleased to announce that a special room block has been reserved for attendees of the 33rd Annual West Virginia Rural Health Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Huntington, WV. To visit their website, click here.
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton 1001 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
Room Rate: $139 (plus applicable taxes) per night
Reservation Deadline: The room block is available until it is full. First come, first serve. Be sure to reserve your room early to guarantee your stay at the discounted rate!
How to Book: To reserve your room, click the link below or call the hotel directly at 1-800-445-8667 and mention the West Virginia Rural Health Conference room block.
We look forward to welcoming you to Huntington for this exciting event! If you have any questions or need assistance with booking, please contact us at info@wvrha.org
Don’t miss out—book your stay today!
The Request for Presentations (RFP) for the 33rd Annual West Virginia Rural Health Conference is now closed.
Submissions are under review, and notifications of acceptance will be sent by June 10, 2025.
We appreciate the interest and contributions from all applicants.
Join us for the 33rd Annual West Virginia Rural Health Conference, happening November 12-14, 2025, in Huntington, WV! This is your exclusive opportunity to support, engage, and connect with rural healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates dedicated to improving health care access in rural communities.
By becoming a sponsor or exhibitor, you will: Increase your brand visibility among key healthcare leaders. Engage directly with decision-makers and industry experts. Showcase your products and services in a highly targeted environment. Support meaningful discussions shaping the future of rural health care.
We offer a variety of sponsorship levels to fit your goals and budget, from Diamond ($15,000) to Bronze ($2,500), as well as organizational and nonprofit exhibitor options. Additional sponsorships include meal sponsors, lanyard branding, and coffee breaks, providing unique ways to highlight your organization.
Exhibit space is included with sponsorship and limited each year—secure your spot today!
Key Dates:
For sponsorship details or to inquire about nonprofit exhibitor opportunities, contact us at info@wvrha.org.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation and drive meaningful change in rural health care!
The West Virginia Rural Health Association (WVRHA) is committed to supporting the professional growth of healthcare and community health professionals.
We have applied to offer continuing education credits for the following disciplines:
Social Work
Nursing
Medicine
Psychology
Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES)
Stay tuned for updates on credit approval and additional details!
2025 WVRHA Conference Scholarship Application Conference: November 12-14, 2025
WVRHA is offering scholarships for community members and students to attend the WV Rural Health Conference. There are four scholarship categories available.
· Up to 2 scholarships available for community members
· Up to 10 scholarships are available for students
Eligibility & Requirements
· Applicants must demonstrate an interest in rural health and confirm they would be unable to attend without financial support.
· Applicants must provide their current residential address.
· Full scholarship recipients must attend all three days of the conference.
· Recipients are responsible for booking their own accommodation.
· Failure to attend the conference forfeits the travel stipend.
Scholarship Types
· Full Scholarships cover conference registration and include a $500 travel stipend, provided as a check on Friday, November 14, at the end of the conference. Applicants must reside at least 60 miles from the conference venue to be eligible for a full scholarship.
· Local scholarships cover conference registration for local students or community members.
· Mini scholarships (poster presenters) cover the cost of conference registration and one night of lodging for people with accepted poster presentation proposals. Applicants must reside at least 60 miles from the conference venue to be eligible for a mini scholarship.
· Virtual scholarships cover the cost of virtual attendance with access to entire digital conference app and all virtual plenary sessions.
Student Applicants
· Must be actively enrolled in a West Virginia college or university and provide proof of enrollment.
· May apply for a virtual scholarship to access live-streamed conference content.
· Students presenting posters at the Symposium on November 14 may receive a mini scholarship for one night’s lodging reimbursement.
· Lodging costs will be reimbursed at the conference.
Selection Priorities
· First-time WV Rural Health Conference attendees.
· Community members working for a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
· Students selected to present a poster.
· Previous community scholarship recipients are not eligible.
Application Deadline: September 5, 2025
Decisions Announced: September 26, 2025 (via email) Late applications will not be considered.
Note: By attending, recipients agree to share their contact information with conference speakers, attendees, and sponsors for networking purposes.
Each year, the West Virginia Rural Health Conference proudly recognizes the outstanding individuals, organizations, and future leaders who are making a meaningful impact on rural health across our state. These awards honor dedication, innovation, and the tireless efforts of those committed to improving the health and well-being of rural communities.
We invite YOU to help us celebrate these changemakers by submitting your nominations!
Let’s come together to celebrate the trailblazers, caregivers, and future leaders making a real difference in rural health across West Virginia!
2025 West Virginia Rural Health Conference Abstract Submission Guidelines
For Students, Residents, and Fellows Students, residents, and fellows in training are invited to submit abstracts of rural health projects or research for podium or poster presentation at the 2025 West Virginia Rural Health Conference, held in-person at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Huntington, WV, November 12-14, 2025.
For Faculty, Health Professionals, and Community Members Faculty, health professionals, and community members are encouraged to submit abstracts of rural health projects or research for poster presentation only.
Project Scope
Submitted projects and research should be relevant to the health of rural West Virginians. Abstracts will be accepted for both in-progress and completed projects, as well as those that have been presented elsewhere. Submissions should represent original research, case studies, or reviews that contribute to advancing medical knowledge and practice.
Evaluation and Format
· Maximum word count: 300 words.
· Abstracts may include 1-2 high-quality figures or tables to illustrate key points or findings, with clear labels and brief captions.
Presentation Expectations
· Podium Presentations: Accepted authors are expected to attend in-person on Wednesday, November 12th, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM.
· Poster Presentations: Posters will be displayed at an in-person reception on Wednesday, November 12th, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
· Scholarships are available. Presenters must follow their institution’s travel policy.
Publication
· Selected abstracts will be published in the Marshall Journal of Medicine.
Abstract Structure
· Title (not included in word count)
· Authors (include credentials and affiliations, not included in word count)
· Background: Briefly state the research question or objective.
· Methods: Describe study design, setting, participants, data collection, and analysis methods.
· Results: Present the main findings, including data and statistics.
· Conclusions: Summarize the implications and relevance to medical science and practice.
Submissions not following this format will not be reviewed.
Submission Details
· Use the form below to submit your abstract.
· Deadline: August 4th, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST.
· Applicants will be notified of their status by September 5th, 2025.
Poster Size Requirements:
· Accepted posters should be 3′ x 4′ (36″ x 48″).
· Authors are responsible for printing and transporting their posters. No on-site printing or postal services will be available.
· At least one author must be present during the entire poster session to discuss their work.
· Authors presenting on-site must register for at least the single poster session event.
Ethical Considerations
· Submit documentation addressing ethical considerations from your Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, or an acknowledgment letter stating the project is non-human subjects’ research.
· For community projects without personal data, a brief letter explaining the project’s scope is required.
· Submissions without ethical documentation will not be reviewed.
Attending the Conference
· Presenters attending additional sessions must register for the full conference.
· Full In-Person Scholarships are available.
· A Mini Scholarship for one-night lodging reimbursement on November 12th is available for students presenting in the Poster Symposium.
· Scholarship application deadline: September 5th at 5:00 PM EST.
· The poster selection committee will notify the scholarship selection committee of your abstract acceptance status.
Questions?
· For further information, contact Amber Vance at elkins34@marshall.edu or call 304-691-1184.
· For research presentation inquiries, contact review committee co-chairs: o Amber Vance: elkins34@marshall.edu o Victoria Sanchez: Victoria.Sanchez@hsc.wvu.edu
Clarifications for Poster Presentations
1. Only the first author must complete the speaker release form on behalf of all authors for a poster presentation.
2. Presenters must register for the single poster session event, with no charge for presenters attending only this session.
3. Students, residents, fellows, and community members can apply for a scholarship to attend the full conference free of charge by selecting the “Request Scholarship for Full Conference” option on the registration page.
The West Virginia Rural Health Conference proudly hosts an Annual Silent Auction, providing a unique opportunity to support rural health initiatives while bidding on exciting items!
The silent auction is a key fundraising event that helps support scholarships, community health programs, and advocacy efforts for rural healthcare in West Virginia. By participating, you contribute to meaningful projects that make a real impact on rural communities.
Attendees will have the chance to bid on a variety of donated items, gift baskets, artwork, experiences, and more! The auction will be accessible both in-person and virtually to ensure that all conference participants, whether attending in-person or remotely, can join in the excitement.
We welcome donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. Popular auction items include: Gift baskets & themed bundles Handmade crafts & artwork Travel & experience packages Wellness & fitness items Unique memorabilia
If you’re interested in donating an item or sponsoring a prize, please contact us at info@wvrha.org
Join us in supporting rural healthcare while bidding on fantastic items at this year’s silent auction.
Stay tuned for details on when the auction site goes live!
Your participation makes a difference!
More information on our digital conference app coming soon!
Cancellations received by the WV Rural Health Association (WVRHA) on or before October 10, 2025, will be refunded in full, minus a 30% processing fee.
After October 10, 2025, refunds will not be issued. However, registrations may be transferred to another individual if notice is provided to WVRHA by November 7, 2025.
No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations received after November 7, 2025, for no-shows, or for cancellations after the conference concludes.
To request a cancellation or transfer, please contact info@wvrha.org.
Virtual Registrants Please Note: WVRHA partners with Cvent to provide part of our conference content in a virtual format. By signing up for the virtual conference, I acknowledge that accessing the virtual conference content for the 33rd Annual WV Rural Health Conference requires technology meeting the specifications described at the link below. https://support.cvent.com/s/communityarticle/Understanding-Attendee-Hub-Compatibility
No refunds will be offered for incompatible technology.
Cvent details their platform accessibility at the link below. https://www.cvent.com/en/accessibility
Enjoy browsing our 2024 edition of the West Virginia Rural Health Conference magazine!
Space is limited. If the capacity of this event is reached, WVRHA will utilize a waiting list in the event there are cancellations.
If you register and are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to a different attendee or request a refund minus a $35.00 processing charge. The deadline to request a refund is October 13, 2024. The deadline to request a transfer of the registration is October 30, 2024. No refunds will be given after October 13, 2024.
The West Virginia Rural Health Association and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine were excited to partner and host a statewide coloring contest to celebrate National Rural Health Day. Winners will be honored at the WV Rural Health Conference in November 2024 and the winning artwork will be displayed at the WV State Capitol on Rural Health Day in April 2025.
Congratulations to our winners!
Prizes include:
WVRHA would like to thank our planning committee for all their hard work and dedication, without you this would not be possible!
