Quality healthcare isn’t something that should be dictated by where you live. Yet, people in rural communities throughout Virginia struggle to get the proper care they deserve. The Virginia Rural Health Association has spent the past 30 years helping enhance the health and wellness of rural Virginians through ongoing advocacy, education services and partnerships.
According to the 2022 census, over a million Virginians – or about 12.4% of the state’s population – live in non-metropolitan areas. These communities face systematic healthcare barriers such as provider shortages, transportation difficulties and higher rates of disability.
“People living in rural areas face additional disparities in all aspects of life and health,” said Meghan Stump, executive assistant at VRHA. “There’s less access to healthcare providers, more social and geographic isolation and an overall lack of resources compared to urban areas.”
Fighting for Policy Changes
VRHA actively advocates for policies that improve healthcare access to address these disparities, including lobbying at both the state and federal levels and securing funding through grants to support critical programs.
One of its biggest concerns is the upcoming Medicaid cuts, which could have a devastating impact on rural Virginians.
“Virginia’s rural counties have Medicaid coverage for 21% of their population, compared to 18% in metro areas,” Stump said. “Cutting this funding would severely limit access to necessary healthcare services.”
Beyond legislative advocacy, VRHA also works directly with local organizations to channel funding into rural healthcare initiatives. The nonprofit association is based in Blacksburg, with regional program offices in Marion, Luray and Danville – ensuring program leaders in each rural area have a pulse on the unique needs of each community.
“It’s about securing resources and making sure they’re distributed where they’re needed most.” -Meghan Stump
Addressing Substance Use and Maternal Health Disparities
One of VRHA’s key focus areas is combating substance use disorders and addiction. The organization has secured $4.5 million in grants over five years to support harm reduction efforts, peer recovery training and treatment accessibility. These funds assist initiatives like the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition’s mobile outreach program and the future Appalachian Center for Hope, a residential treatment center slated to open in 2026.
Maternal health is another critical concern, especially for Black and Hispanic mothers in rural Virginia.
“The Black maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is 49.5 deaths per 100,000 compared to 19 for white mothers,” Stump said. “When you add rural healthcare disparities to existing racial health inequities, the risks increase even further.”
To combat this, VRHA launched the Danville Maternal Infant Physical Leisure Activity Nutrition (MIPLAN) project, a $3.8 million initiative focused on improving physical activity, breastfeeding support and nutrition access for marginalized communities.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Healthcare Through Pride of Rural Virginia
VRHA works to provide LGBTQ+ individuals in rural communities with access to safe, affirming healthcare as well. Its Pride of Rural Virginia program has facilitated community conversations across the state, providing a space for LGBTQ+ residents and healthcare providers to discuss challenges and solutions.
“We learned that one of the biggest issues wasn’t outright discrimination, but a lack of training,” Stump said. “Many healthcare providers weren’t sure how to engage with LGBTQ+ patients, which often created a sense of stigma and discomfort.”
VRHA developed the “PRVider Portal,” where individuals can anonymously share experiences with local healthcare facilities. The goal is to identify affirming providers while also offering training to those in need of improvement.
Unfortunately, Pride of Rural Virginia recently faced a major funding setback due to federal restrictions on diversity-related grants.
“A week before our grant deadline, new restrictions were introduced that made it nearly impossible for us to apply,” Stump said. “We’re now exploring private funding options to keep this initiative going.”
How You Can Help
VRHA encourages individuals and organizations to get involved in its work through advocacy, donations and direct action. Healthcare providers and students have a plethora of opportunities to participate in programs and events. Additionally, alerts are posted on the website, giving everyone the knowledge and tools to contact their elected officials.
More than anything though, VRHA emphasizes the importance of community voices in advocating for better healthcare. It encourages individuals to speak up about the challenges they witness in their own communities, believing that amplifying these concerns strengthens the fight for rural healthcare equality.
Learn more and find ways to support VRHA’s mission here.
