West Virginia has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to transform rural healthcare with the appointment of new leadership for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). , the West Virginia Department of Health announced the appointments of Dr. Carrie Jeffries as Director, and Dr. Soumya Prasad as Deputy Director, effective .
This program is particularly vital given the challenges facing rural communities in accessing quality healthcare. The RHTP aims to address these disparities through a substantial investment of $199 million, secured from the Trump administration’s Rural Health Transformation Fund, established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in . The funding is earmarked to tackle critical issues like healthcare worker shortages and improve overall access to care.
Leadership with Deep Expertise
Dr. Jeffries brings a wealth of experience to her new role, combining advanced clinical training with a strong background in healthcare administration and system redesign. She holds certifications as an Adult Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Executive Advanced, and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Her career has focused on leading complex healthcare operations, driving quality improvement initiatives, and strengthening care delivery systems to improve patient outcomes. Her specific experience in rural and under-resourced healthcare settings is expected to be invaluable in leading the RHTP’s statewide efforts.
Dr. Prasad complements Dr. Jeffries’ expertise with over 20 years of experience in clinical, academic, corporate, and regulatory leadership. As a practicing pediatrician, board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, she has held positions supporting the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, focusing on pharmacovigilance and regulatory compliance in oncology trials. She also has a background in global drug development, having served in senior leadership roles at IQVIA, advising executive teams on risk management and safety oversight. Dr. Prasad continues to practice pediatrics at Candor Care, PLLC, maintaining active clinical engagement.
A Multifaceted Approach to Rural Healthcare
The RHTP’s strategy encompasses several key initiatives. A significant portion of the funding will be used to equip schools and community institutions with telemedicine capabilities, expanding access to care for residents in remote areas. The program also aims to recruit high school students into healthcare careers, addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in rural West Virginia. The RHTP will establish initiatives like the Rural Health Link to provide patients with transportation to medical appointments, removing a significant barrier to access.
State Officials Express Confidence
Dr. Arvin Singh, Secretary of Health for West Virginia and Acting Director of the RHTP, expressed his enthusiasm for the new leadership team. “Dr. Jeffries brings executive healthcare leadership and advanced clinical expertise that will drive system level transformation. Dr. Prasad strengthens our team with deep clinical experience, federal research leadership, and global regulatory insight,” he stated. Dr. Singh will transition out of the Acting Director role but will maintain executive oversight of the program, ensuring strategic decisions continue to be made at the highest level.
The Department of Health is actively expanding the RHTP team, having recently welcomed Michael Sheets, former State Procurement Officer, and John Leite, former Assistant to the Public Health Commissioner, to support rapid operational execution. The department is also in the process of finalizing the composition of the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Panel, a group of clinical, operational, and community leaders who will provide guidance and ensure accountability.
A Historic Investment in West Virginia’s Future
The Rural Health Transformation Program represents a substantial commitment to modernizing rural healthcare infrastructure and building sustainable systems of care across West Virginia. The Department of Health is currently finalizing Requests for Proposals and establishing procurement pathways to accelerate program rollout and ensure the timely and effective use of the allocated funds. The program’s success is seen as crucial to improving the health and well-being of rural communities throughout the state.
More information about the Rural Health Transformation Program can be found at health.wv.gov.
