The WWAMI Rural Health Research Center (RHRC) is excited to share that we recently received $2.8 million in renewed funding from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) to continue to conduct policy-relevant research for the next four years.
We are also pleased to announce recent leadership changes at the WWAMI RHRC. As of September 2024, Janessa Graves has assumed the role of Director, working alongside Holly Andrilla, who will continue her service as Deputy Director. After four years of dedicated leadership, Davis Patterson has stepped down from his position as Director. We are grateful that Davis will remain involved with the Center, contributing his expertise in the capacity of senior advisor. These changes mark an exciting new chapter for the WWAMI RHRC, which will continue its mission of conducting high-quality research to inform health policy and work toward improving the health and well-being of rural populations.
Each year, the WWAMI RHRC conducts multiple research projects related to rural health policy and healthcare delivery. Our projects for the upcoming year are currently under review. We will announce the selected research topics as soon as they are finalized. Current, ongoing WWAMI RHRC projects include the following: Understanding Changes in the Rural Marriage and Family Therapist and Mental Health Counselor Workforces Under New Medicare Reimbursement Policy; Dentist Supply, Dental Care Utilization, and Oral Health Among Rural and Urban U.S. Residents; and Access to and Provision of Child and Youth Behavioral Health Services in the Rural and Urban U.S.
“For nearly four decades, the WWAMI RHRC has been at the forefront of rural health research, conducting high-quality, relevant, and applied studies that directly impact policy and practice,” said Janessa Graves, the new Director of WWAMI RHRC. “Our team is excited to continue the center’s tradition of excellence and to expand our collaborative efforts with rural communities, policymakers, and healthcare providers.”