The Center for Rural Health Development, Inc.

The Center for Rural Health Development, Inc. The Center for Rural Health Development, Inc. (the Center) is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides leadership on rural health issues since 1994.

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June is Men’s Health Month — an opportunity to raise awareness about health issues that impact men and encourage a focus...
06/02/2026

June is Men’s Health Month — an opportunity to raise awareness about health issues that impact men and encourage a focus on prevention and long-term well-being.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that affects both men and women. Certain types of HPV infection are associated with cancers that can impact men, including cancers of the a**s, p***s, head and neck cancers.

The HPV vaccine prevents the nine types of HPV infection that most commonly cause cancer. It prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Cancer Society recommend HPV vaccination starting at age 9 for males and females. Teens, young adults, and individuals ages 27-45 who did not complete the HPV vaccine series as children are also recommended to receive the vaccine if they did not receive it previously.

Recommended immunizations and routine screenings play a vital role in reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers and supporting long-term health. To learn more about HPV and to find out if you are recommended to receive the HPV vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider.

A few weeks ago, the City of Smithers broke ground on the future Oakland Riverfront Park, transforming the old Oakland S...
05/29/2026

A few weeks ago, the City of Smithers broke ground on the future Oakland Riverfront Park, transforming the old Oakland School, a former brownfield site, into the city’s first public river access point. Once complete, the space will feature a handicap accessible kayak launch, floating dock, playground, splash pad, basketball court, picnic shelter, restrooms, scenic overlook, food truck hookups, and more.

We are honored to support this project alongside so many wonderful partners through Wild, Wonderful & Healthy Smithers & Montgomery. This new multi use space will help connect residents and visitors to recreation, community gathering spaces, and opportunities for healthy, active living.

May is Women’s Health Month, a time to highlight important topics that impact women’s health across the lifespan.Human p...
05/28/2026

May is Women’s Health Month, a time to highlight important topics that impact women’s health across the lifespan.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can affect both women and men. Certain types of HPV are linked to several cancers that impact women, including cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers.

The HPV vaccine prevents the nine types of HPV that most commonly cause cancer. It prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Cancer Society recommend HPV vaccination starting at age 9. Teens, young adults, and some individuals ages 27-45 who did not complete the HPV vaccine series as a child are also recommended to receive the vaccine if they did not get it previously.

Recommended immunizations and routine screenings play a vital role in reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers and supporting long-term health. To learn more about HPV and to see if you are recommended to receive the HPV vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider.

With summer travel season approaching, recommended immunizations remain an important part of staying healthy while trave...
05/26/2026

With summer travel season approaching, recommended immunizations remain an important part of staying healthy while traveling. Whether domestic or international, different destinations may have specific recommendations, and planning ahead can help ensure individuals and families are prepared.

It is also important to remember that it can take about two weeks to build protection after vaccination and, sometimes, multiple doses of a vaccine may be needed to provide full protection. To learn more about what vaccinations may be needed before travel, speak with your healthcare provider.

 , May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month? Lyme disease is a tickborne illness that can affect people of all ages, particul...
05/25/2026

, May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month? Lyme disease is a tickborne illness that can affect people of all ages, particularly during the warmer months when outdoor activity increases.

Common symptoms of Lyme disease may include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, and sometimes a rash that can appear in a circular or “bullseye” pattern. In West Virginia, reported cases of Lyme have increased in recent years, highlighting the importance of tick prevention.

If you experience any of these symptoms and have had a recent tick bite, you should seek medical attention. For more information about Lyme disease and prevention strategies, talk with your healthcare provider.

Did you know, May is Hepatitis Awareness Month? Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It often b...
05/23/2026

Did you know, May is Hepatitis Awareness Month? Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It often begins with typical symptoms or even no symptoms at all. However, hepatitis B infection strongly increases the chances of developing long-term liver infection and damage, cancer, or other complications that can lead to death after infection — even years later.

Fortunately, hepatitis B can be prevented through immunization, usually given in a series of three doses. For the best protection, individuals should receive all of the doses in a series. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, children younger than age 19 who did not receive the hepatitis b vaccine series, and adults ages 19-59 who were not previously vaccinated. Adults ages 60 years and older with certain risk factors are also recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine.

To learn more about hepatitis B, and to find out if hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for you or your loved ones, talk with your healthcare provider.

Healthy communities don’t happen by accident — they’re built through collaboration, planning, and long-term commitment.I...
05/22/2026

Healthy communities don’t happen by accident — they’re built through collaboration, planning, and long-term commitment.

In Webster County, local leaders, partners, and residents are coming together through Wild, Wonderful & Healthy Webster County to strengthen the Seven Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being — the community conditions that shape health long before someone ever sees a healthcare provider.

Improvements are underway to enhance the community space at Woodchopping and Timber Heritage Museum, with support from Webster County Tourism and other local partners. The outdoor space will include expanded public gathering areas, outdoor seating, and a natural climbing and play area for children — creating more opportunities for connection, activity, and time outdoors. Elements like accessible infrastructure and natural features contribute to spaces where community members can gather, connect, and recharge.

These efforts, alongside the America 250 mural project led by the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the Webster County Commission, highlight how coordinated local action can strengthen community vitality and support long-term health and economic opportunity. We’re grateful to partner with communities like Webster County as they plan, act, and invest in a healthier future.

New funding opportunities are now available through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), supporting initiativ...
05/21/2026

New funding opportunities are now available through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), supporting initiatives designed to strengthen healthcare systems and improve access to care across West Virginia.

Current opportunities focus on areas including provider productivity, workforce recruitment and retention, and rural provider upskilling and mentorships — investments that help address evolving healthcare needs in rural communities.

To learn more about active funding opportunities and application timelines, visit:
https://health.wv.gov/rural-health-transformation-program

Wild, Wonderful & Healthy West Virginia (WWHWV) is built on a simple idea: communities that work together can create the...
05/20/2026

Wild, Wonderful & Healthy West Virginia (WWHWV) is built on a simple idea: communities that work together can create the conditions for better health. Through WWHWV, communities across West Virginia are planning for long-term change, improving the places where people live, work, and learn by focusing on the Seven Vital Conditions for Health & Well-Being.

We’re currently accepting up to two new communities to join WWHWV, with applications open through Friday, May 29!

This opportunity is designed for communities interested in:
• Strengthening local partnerships across sectors
• Identifying priorities for long-term community health improvement
• Connecting health outcomes with economic development
• Building strategies that move beyond short-term solutions

If your community is ready to take part in this work, we encourage you to learn more and consider applying. 👇

Application: https://bit.ly/WWHWVInterestForm

Rob Dearing recently attended the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians meeting at The Greenbrier. 🤓Opportu...
05/19/2026

Rob Dearing recently attended the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians meeting at The Greenbrier. 🤓

Opportunities like this support continued collaboration with providers and partners working to strengthen access to care and advance health services across West Virginia communities.

We appreciate the ongoing efforts of organizations and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving access and supporting the health and well-being of communities across the state.

Address

75 Chase Drive
Hurricane, WV
25526

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13043974071

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/company/7296159/

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