Health Leaders Gather to Talk Public Health and Community Development

More than 160 health leaders met in Charleston today to talk about public health concerns and current efforts to improve health outcomes for West Virginians.

The conference sessions covered topics from childhood obesity and trauma, to the housing crisis and aging population. Presenters talked about where West Virginia can improve – for instance ensuring that children have access to healthy food and safe places to exercise. They also discussed new initiatives that show some promise, such as senior housing cooperatives.

Many of the presenters emphasized that improving the state’s health outcomes will have to come from both a grassroots and policy level. West Virginia currently sits at the bottom of many health statistics nationwide.

The conference was organized by a number of groups, including the Federal Reserve Banks of Richmond and Cleveland and the Benedum Foundation.

Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, with support from the Benedum Foundation.