Appalachian Power Foundation invests $100,000 to advance rural health at Radford University

Grant supports CARES Mobile Health Clinic, expanding access to care and preparing Virginia's rural healthcare workforce

A $100,000 grant from the Appalachian Power Foundation will help Radford University expand access to healthcare in rural communities while providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them to serve where they are needed most.

The grant provides operating support for Radford University's CARES Mobile Health Clinic, a key component of the university's broader rural health initiative. Through the clinic, Radford nursing and other health professions students gain valuable experiential learning opportunities while helping deliver healthcare services to rural and medically underserved communities across Southwest Virginia.

The investment builds on the Appalachian Power Foundation's longstanding support of Radford University while marking a significant expansion of the partnership into rural health, a major priority of the university's six-year strategic plan, Shaping Tomorrow - Together.

The Appalachian Power Foundation awards charitable grants to organizations in the communities Appalachian Power serves. These grants support housing; education; access to essential services; resilience and recovery; and thriving communities.

"This generous investment from the Appalachian Power Foundation is about much more than a mobile clinic. It is an investment in the health and future of the communities we serve," said Radford University President Bret Danilowicz. "Appalachian Power has been a valued partner to Radford for years, and we are grateful to see that partnership grow around one of our most important priorities. Together, we can bring care closer to people who need it while preparing more healthcare professionals to live, work and serve in rural Virginia."

"Appalachian Power is proud to partner with Radford University on an initiative that reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the communities we serve," said Amanda Cox, vice president of external affairs for Appalachian Power. "By supporting the CARES Mobile Health Clinic, we are helping expand access to vital healthcare services today while investing in the students who will help meet the region's workforce needs for years to come."

The partnership reflects a natural alignment between the organizations' visions for the communities they serve and their commitment to playing an active, positive role in communities where its employees and customers live and work. Radford's Shaping Tomorrow - Together similarly prioritizes student success and experiential learning, a culture of care and strategic partnerships and community engagement.

For Radford, the CARES Mobile Health Clinic puts those commitments into action.

The clinic connects students and faculty with rural communities while helping address barriers to care. Radford's plans call for the initiative to support chronic disease management, behavioral health services, preventive screenings, immunization access, acute care access and maternal and child health.

"CARES gives our students the opportunity to take what they learn in their nursing/nurse practitioner coursework and apply it in communities where access to care can be a very real challenge," said Wendy Downey, dean of Radford University's College of Nursing. "They are developing their clinical skills, but they are also learning to listen, build trust and understand the unique needs of the people and communities they serve. Those experiences will make them better nurses and better practitioners - and, we hope, inspire more of them to build their careers in rural communities."

The mobile clinic is part of a much larger vision for rural health at Radford. Earlier this year, the university announced the formation of its Center for Rural Health Partner Council, bringing together healthcare organizations, foundations, businesses and community leaders to address workforce needs, expand access to care and confront persistent health disparities across Southwest and Southern Virginia.

The effort reflects Radford's goal of becoming a premier destination for healthcare education and talent in Southwest Virginia while working alongside existing healthcare providers and community organizations to strengthen the region's healthcare workforce and infrastructure.

"Meeting the healthcare needs of rural communities requires professionals who understand that care does not happen in isolation," said Kenneth Cox, dean of Radford University's Waldron College of Health and Human Services. "Experiences like the CARES Mobile Health Clinic give students opportunities to learn across disciplines and see firsthand how access, prevention and collaboration influence health outcomes. We are preparing professionals not simply to enter the healthcare workforce, but to become part of the communities they will serve."

Rural communities continue to face shortages of healthcare professionals and geographic barriers that can make accessing care more difficult. Radford's approach is designed to address both sides of that challenge: bringing services closer to communities today while creating meaningful rural healthcare experiences for the professionals who will serve them tomorrow.

The university's rural health strategy extends beyond the mobile clinic. Radford is working with healthcare providers, community organizations, businesses and other partners to identify opportunities for workforce development, community engagement, research and improved access to care. The goal is not to duplicate existing services, but to strengthen the regional health ecosystem through collaboration and shared expertise.

Appalachian Power's latest investment builds on years of support for Radford University students and programs. Most recently, the foundation has been a leading supporter of the Artis College of Science and Technology Summer Bridge program, which gives high school students opportunities to explore STEM fields through hands-on learning alongside Radford faculty.

The new grant extends that commitment to another area where education, workforce development and community need intersect: rural health.

"This is exactly what partnership looks like," said Penny Helms White, vice president for Advancement and Alumni Relations. "Appalachian Power has invested in Radford and our students for years. Through Appalachian Power's engagement and philanthropic support, that relationship continues to grow in meaningful ways. We are deeply grateful for their confidence in Radford and their willingness to step forward with us around an initiative that can strengthen communities across our region."

Philanthropic partnerships will be essential to realizing the full potential of Radford's rural health vision. The Appalachian Power Foundation's investment provides immediate support for the CARES Mobile Health Clinic while also demonstrating the role private philanthropy can play in helping the university expand its reach, strengthen the healthcare workforce and serve rural communities.

Appalachian Power representatives joined Radford University leaders Aug. 25 for a ceremonial check presentation recognizing the partnership and investment.

About Radford University's rural health initiative

Radford University's rural health initiative brings together education, workforce development, research and community partnership to address health disparities and improve access to care in rural Virginia. Through efforts including the CARES Mobile Health Clinic and the developing Center for Rural Health, Radford seeks to prepare future healthcare professionals while working alongside communities and healthcare partners to build healthier, more resilient populations.