team up with the Texas A & M University Rural and Community Health Institute to identify those local needs and come up with a plan to address them . That plan consists of phases guiding stakeholders to implement new options for maternal health care across Southern West Virginia .
In its first year in West Virginia , the RPN has made significant strides in creating positive change within rural communities . Initially , its focus was on community engagement over monetary gain ; however , the RPN ’ s efforts across the 20 counties have resulted in nearly half of the engagements leading to new connections and partnerships . The RPN has made many notable achievements , such as securing a $ 50,000 grant for A Place to Grow Children ’ s Center in Fayette County and the recent formation of a statewide steering committee .
As far as future growth goes , both community networks hope to keep expanding their positive impact on rural communities .
Hutchison says the rural communities included in the RPN are helping
spearhead prosperity through stimulating the local economies and increasing their wealth .
“ Investing in workforce development ensures that residents have the skills required for these new opportunities , fostering a capable and adaptable labor force ,” he says .
Stephanie Tyree , executive director for the WVCDH , mentions plans to collaborate with the USDA and increase the positive impact of the RPN on the 12
Southern West Virginia counties even further . She hopes this collaboration will drive community economic development .
“ Our hope is that through this collaboration , and through the shared work between the Southern West Virginia Rural Partners Network and the Pioneer Network , new collaborative projects , opportunities and funding will be established that can drive forward community economic development for a large portion of West Virginia .” •
Gilmer County Economic Development Association President , Jeff Campbell , goes over the plans for the Little Kanawha River Trail with the USDA Rural Development team .
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