Summer 2017 E-newsletter
Welcoming Shei Sanchez to the SHF Team

July has brought a few changes to the staff of the Sisters Health Foundation. Shortly after Renee Steffen took on the role of Executive Director, Shei Sanchez joined the SHF as the Grants and Communications Manager. Shei has over 12 years of experience in education and communications in the United States and overseas, primarily in Thailand. Prior to her role at the SHF, Shei served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Athens, Ohio-based non-profit Live Healthy Appalachia, where she helped build capacity through volunteer coordination, marketing implementation, resource development and partnership building. Read full bio.

"Shei is an excellent addition to our team," says Renee.  "Along with her positive energy and expertise in communications, we are excited to embrace her many skills as she oversees the technical aspects of our grants administration process, communications strategy, and office operations."  Shei is thrilled to be part of a dynamic, dedicated team and looks forward to being part of the great work the foundation has been doing for the health and well being of the Mid-Ohio Valley. "I am honored to be part of SHF's mission and vision to help communities in the Mid-Ohio Valley become stronger, healthier and more sustainable."
Attend Forum on Closing Health Gaps in Southeast Ohio

Tuesday, September 19
10:30AM - 2:00PM
Ohio University Walter Hall Rotunda
25 S. Green Drive, Athens, OH 45701
Free to attend

Southeast Regional Forum Partners: 
Cardinal Health Foundation, Ohio University, Osteopathic Heritage Foundations, Sisters Health Foundation, The HealthPath Foundation of Ohio

 
The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) is hosting a regional forum in Athens to share applicable measures to establish health equity and curtail health gaps. "The Health Policy Institute of Ohio is excited to come to Southeast Ohio to share evidence-informed strategies that can be used at the local level to reduce health disparities and achieve health equity," said HPIO President Amy Rohling McGee. "Ohio faces many health challenges, but the good news is that we know there are strategies that will work to improve health value in our state."

A facilitated panel of experts will explore the impact of health disparities and inequities in Southeast Ohio and the various approaches to combat them. Among the panelists are Mark Cardosi of Southeastern Ohio Legal Services based in Portsmouth, Ron Rees of the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development and Richard Wittberg of the Washington County Health Department.

The forum will also discuss Ohio's overall health status as well as its challenges. Health gaps experienced by Ohioans with low incomes will also be examined. Attendance is free and open to the public.
West Virginia Rural Health Association Celebrates 25 Years

This October, the West Virginia Rural Health Association (WVRHA) is holding its 25th annual conference to bring together individuals involved in rural health to explore ways to improve access to quality health care for West Virginians. The summit also includes state and national health best practices as well as opportunities for networking and using the Health Data Portal, which provides access to the latest healthcare data down to the county level. Participants will learn about best practices, leadership and innovation for advancing rural health care in the state.
 
"This is the premier rural health conference in West Virginia. It's a great way for people in various health disciplines, community members, policy makers, researchers, economic developers and anyone interested in improving West Virginia to get together and look at various ways to improve the lives of West Virginians," said WVRHA Executive Director Debrin Jenkins.
 
WVRHA is also offering 20 scholarships for students and community members interested in attending the conference. These scholarships can help cover the registration cost and lodging if the recipient lives at least 50 miles outside the conference area. The deadline for applications is August 18.
 
Presentation topics include "Changes to the ACA and Medicaid: Impact on Rural West Virginia", "Implementing the National Diabetes Prevention Program", "All Hands Approach: Addressing the Roots and Consequences of the Opioid Epidemic in West Virginia", "Evolving Behavioral Partnerships in Rural WV" and much, much more. 
 
The conference will be held from October 11 to 13 at Canaan Valley Resort in Davis, WV. For more information and to register, visit www.wvrha.org.

Sisters Health Foundation
www.sistershealthfdn.org / 304-424-6080

Our mission is to promote healthy and sustainable communities by providing resources, strengthening collaborative relationships, and supporting initiatives that impact people in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Through this mission, the Sisters Health Foundation seeks to enhance the rich gifts already found in local communities.