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Submitted by Robin Schimmel
Every year in February, RHEP's (Rural Health Education Partnerships) from all over the state travel to the capitol for their
annual Legislative Day.
There are thirteen different RHEP's that serve West Virginia. All health science students, medical, dental, pharmacy, and
others must complete a rural rotation to meet graduation requirements.
RHEP provides rural rotations for students from West Virginia University, Marshall University, Mountain State University,
West Virginian School of Osteopathic Medicine and Alderson Broaddus. The RHEP site organizes the student's rotation
with the preceptor, provides adequate housing for the students, and coordinates the students activities while on rotation.
The majority of the student's time is spent with the preceptor. However, up to twenty percent of their time can be filled with
community service.
These community service activities meet a need for that county; an example would be a dental student giving a lecture to an
elementary class on the proper brushing technique to avoid cavities. Students are also required to meet weekly at each
RHEP site for Interdisciplinary Sessions.
These sessions are usually facilitated by a preceptor or another medical professional and are case based allowing the different
disciplines to interact and work together as a team.
The goal of the program is to increase the number health care professionals such as doctors, dentists, nurses and
pharmacists who practice in rural areas. This program proves to be a valuable asset to the state of West Virginia during the
insurance crisis that has recently affected our state.
RHEP's are also deeply involved in the community they serve. Many sites have written and received grant money to start
new programs to target such things as heart disease, tobacco use, increase exercise and many others topics. RHEP's also
collaborate with Family Resource Networks, Health Science Technology Academy, WVU Extension Services, Tobacco
Coalitions and various other organizations.
The Little Kanawha Area RHEP site is located in Grantsville and serves Calhoun, Gilmer, Pleasants, Ritchie, Tyler, and Wirt
counties. The office employees three people, Anna Reno, Coordinator, Cathy Humphrey, Secretary, and Robin Schimmel,
Outreach Assistant. On February 9th, both Anna and Robin traveled to the capitol for Legislative Day.
Monday morning they hand delivered healthy lunches to the senators and delegates who serve their six county region. These
lunches were prepared by the Woman's Club of Dunbar. The boxed lunches included a sandwich, soda and a healthy
snack. To show further appreciation, all members of the legislature were invited to an awards dinner at the Embassy Suites
that evening.
Activities included guest speaker, Senator Robert Plymale, along with a short awards ceremony. Joining Anna Reno at her
table were Delegate Otis Leggett, Delegate Roger Romine, Delegate Tom Azinger, David Bell from WVU-P and board
members Lewis Cottrill and Shorty Bumgardner both from Ritchie County. Lewis's wife Marilyn and daughter Melissa as,
well as Shorty's wife Lois were also honored quests at the table.
Little Kanawha Area RHEP would like to thank those members of the legislature and our board members who showed their
encouragement of the program and gave up their valuable time to attend the diner. We truly appreciate your support.
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