In support of its vision and mission, the WVRHA will pursue the following goals:

1. COLLABORATION: Work with other groups to provide one voice and vision for rural health; transcend our individual organizational concerns to work for the common good

a. Become an active partner with education and economic development groups to enhance their work and promote understanding of how health care impacts their work.

b. Network with workforce investment boards to promote career ladders in health care.

c. Network with local chambers of commerce to create healthy community environments.

d. Partner with state agencies to identify health issues and support solutions.

2. PUBLIC POLICY and ADVOCACY: Serve as an advocate for improved health status and access to care for all West Virginians.

a. Effect policy changes at the state level through properly developed channels that will suit the needs and best interests of all rural health stakeholders.

b. Develop expertise in influencing legislative process.

3. EDUCATION: Provide education on health, wellness, and rural health system issues for health professionals, policymakers and the general public.

a. Communicate preventive care messages and programs to communities.
b. Facilitate the dissemination of information and exchange of ideas.
c. Bcome a clearinghouse for health care information and dissemination.
d. Provide learning opportunities on issues that impact health care and wellness.
e. Increase grass roots awareness of problems facing the state.

4. MEMBERSHIP: Establish a broad based membership organization

a. Create opportunities for leadership development for its members.
b. Expand board membership to include a consumer who is not a health care professional.
c. Recruit members from the whole system including home health, hospitals, school health, etc.
d. Create an annual membership goal and plan
e. Make membership in the WVRHA a fun experience.
f. Have 100 members by the end of 2004.
g. Learn to be an organization that understands and practices effective communication.

5. SPECIAL PROJECTS: Sponsor special projects as resources permit to support and promote the WVRHA's vision, mission and goals.

a. Create a data brief on rural health that includes data on health, economy, and environment.
b. Conduct study on rural health in collaboration with all rural health stakeholders (WVRHA, WVPCA, WVHA, RHEP, AHEC, others)
c. Create a document for the Legislature describes rural health system needs.
d. Create a model program of self-care management and lay outreach workers.