Inaugural VCOM-VDH Symposium

Inaugural VCOM-VDH Symposium

Expanding Holistic Health with Community Partnerships

September 24, 2025 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine VCOM II Building Blacksburg, Virginia

2025 Symposium Schedule

9:00-9:10 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks

Welcome from VCOM Leadership : Dean Ron Januchowski, DO Celebration of Collaboration: Bernard Kadio, MD, MPH, PhD

9:10-9:20 AM | Remarks from the Virginia Department of Health

Welcome Address: Our NRV Home and Community Impact Noelle Bissell, MD Director, New River Valley Health District

9:20-9:45 AM | Keynote Address

Keynote Introduction : Jess Nicholson, MAT

Keynote Address: Beyond the Clinic Walls: Community and Social Determinants of Maternal Health Michael Kramer PhD, MMSc, MS

Director, Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities Mercer University School of Medicine

Audience Q&A

9:45-10:30 AM | Poster Session Block #1

10:30-10:45 AM | Break / Refreshments / Networking

10:45-11:30 AM | Poster Session Block #2

11:30-11:45 AM | Break / Refreshments / Networking

11:45-12:30 PM | Panel Discussion

From the Front Lines to the Clinic: Applying Community Insights in Medicine Introductions and Moderated Discussion: Jim Mahaney, PhD Audience Q&A

12:30-12:50 PM | Community Partner Awards and Closing Remarks Acknowledgements: Bernard Kadio, MD, PhD, MPH

CORE Mentor of the Year Awards: Bernard Kadio, MD, PhD, MPH Student Poster Award: Bernard Kadio, MD, PhD, MPH Closing Remarks: Bernard Kadio, MD, PhD, MPH

Learn More Community Outreach Research and Education (CORE) Program at VCOM-Virginia is a student-driven research initiative developed in close partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs) and practicing physicians.

Contact Jess Nicholson at jnicholson@vt.vcom.edu or visit www.vcom.edu/core .

Michael R. Kramer, PhD

2025 Keynote Speaker

Beyond the Clinic Walls: Community and Social Determinants of Maternal Health

Michael R. Kramer, PhD, MMSc, MS, is a social epidemiologist and population health scientist with a focus on how social, geographic, and place-based factors—including the historical, economic, and cultural attributes of rural communities—shape health relevant opportunities and experiences, ultimately influencing population health outcomes. His research interests encompass social determinants of health, maternal and child health, and spatial analysis, with a particular emphasis on non-communicable diseases and disparities in maternal, perinatal, and child health. Dr. Kramer earned his PhD in epidemiology from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in 2009. Prior to his academic career, he worked as a physician assistant, including serving as the director of the emergency department at Sage Hospital on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. He has also held faculty positions at Emory University and Mercer University. In 2024, Dr. Kramer was appointed as the director of the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities at Mercer University School of Medicine. Under his leadership, the center focuses on implementing community-driven solutions to health disparity issues in rural Georgia, with a federal portfolio addressing maternal and infant mortality reduction, opioid overdose prevention, and chronic disease self management. Dr. Kramer’s work integrates theory and perspectives from sociology, demography, and geography to understand how social processes and exposures become biologically embodied, shaping population health patterns across the life course. He has published over 200 professional journal articles and has received numerous awards for excellence in research and teaching.

Professor of Community Medicine and Director of the Center for Rural Health and

Health Disparities Mercer University School of Medicine

Panel Speakers

Kristina Cole, MA - Community Support Professional, New River Valley Community Services Kristina Cole is a Women’s Health Liaison who empowers pregnant women and new moms through addiction services, wellness programs, and preventive care. NRVCS focuses on supporting women in recovery, reducing health disparities, and improving long-term health outcomes in the New River Valley community.

Natalie Cook, PhD - Assistant Professor of Public Health, Virginia Tech Dr. Natalie Cook is an expert in program evaluation, health equity, and community-based research. She leads initiatives like the BEARTH Village perinatal equity project in Roanoke, implementing community-based doula programs and wraparound services to improve maternal and child health outcomes, while translating research into practical, community-driven solutions. Lauren Eggleton, MPH - Senior Policy Manager, Virginia Health Catalyst Lauren Eggleston advances policy efforts at Virginia Health Catalyst to ensure all Virginians have equitable access to comprehensive health care, including oral health. She works within a strategic framework that strengthens four pillars, providing a foundation to improve and sustain health outcomes across the Commonwealth. Hannah DiRico, MS - Clinical Program Supervisor, New River Valley Community Services Hannah DiRico oversees the Special Deliveries and Project LINK at NRVCS, which provide support to women experiencing mental health needs and/or substance use during pregnancy and through their child’s early years. Services focus on parenting skills, navigating community systems, and maintaining recovery through a combination case management, outpatient counseling, and peer support services. Justin Griffith, JD - Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney Justin Griffith serves as the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Pulaski County, overseeing felony prosecutions and promoting community safety. Recognized as a public health hero, he collaborates with local organizations to address systemic health challenges and is a board member of InStill Mindfulness, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating mindful practices to improve well-being in the community.

Abraham Hardee III, DO, PhD - Family Medicine Physician, Program Director of FM Residency Program, Lewis Gale Montgomery

A graduate of VCOM, Dr. Abraham Hardee is known for his dedication to community health and advancing care for underserved populations. Through his leadership in medical education and active involvement in local initiatives, he works to strengthen healthcare access and outcomes across the New River Valley.

David Horton - Mayor of Radford, Virginia Since 2018, David Horton has served as mayor of Radford, driving transformative initiatives to enhance community well-being and public services. He is also a key leader at Radford University, where he has directed the Summer Bridge Program, shaped communications within the Artis College of Science and Technology, and played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s strategic technology planning. Donald Mankie, RDN - Virginia Health Initiatives Director, Feeding Southwest Virginia Donald Mankie, RDN, is the health initiatives director at Feeding Southwest Virginia, where he builds partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and the regional food network to advance health and nutrition. A registered dietitian, he has has led numerous community programs promoting health, fitness, and disease prevention.

Community Partner Organizations Southwest Virginia 2025-2026

Community Health Center of NRV (FQHC) Provides affordable, high-quality medical, dental, behavioral, and preventive health services to everyone, regardless of ability to pay or insurance status. 540-381-0820 | chcnrv.org Community Nourishment Program A program of the GME Consortium, the program improves access to high-quality primary care by linking local doctors, communities, and graduate medical education programs. 276-639-7911 | swvagmec.com/cnproject Danville MIPLAN – Virginia Rural Health Association MIPLAN works to improve health, prevent chronic disease, and reduce disparities among Black and Hispanic residents in Danville by expanding access to healthy foods, promoting physical activity, and supporting breastfeeding through education and community programs. miplan@vrha.org | facebook.com/miplandva Family Nutrition Program (SNAP-Ed) The Virginia Family Nutrition Program addresses food security and prevents costly chronic diseases through community-based programs and initiatives. ext.vt.edu/food-health/family-nutrition-program Fralin Free Clinic The clinic serves uninsured individuals at risk of homelessness, currently experiencing homelessness, or transitioning into permanent housing in the Roanoke Valley. 540-777-7671 | rescuemission.net/fralin-free-clinic New River Community Action – CHIP Children’s Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) builds public-private partnerships to improve the health of young children in need and strengthen families toward self sufficiency. 540-633-5133 | newrivercommunityaction.org/chip New River Community Action – Homelessness Prevention Program NRCA housing counselors provide one-on-one confidential counseling on mortgage delinquency, rental issues, home maintenance, and homelessness assistance. 540-639-3159 | newrivercommunityaction.org/housing New River Valley Agency on Aging The agency supports older adults, families, and caregivers through advocacy, information, and services. 540-980-7720 | nrvaoa.org New River Valley Recovery Ecosystem Addresses substance use disorder through prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction in the New River Valley. 540-585-3300 | nrvroadtowellness.com/recovery-ecosystem

GMEConsortium Community Nourishment Program

Eat Smart, Move More

Rescue Mission – Manna Food Pantry Weekly grocery box distribution with approximately 60 pounds of food per family, including fresh produce, frozen meats, and pet food. 540-343-7227 | rescuemission.net/manna-food-pantry Rise Above: Harm Reduction Services Mobile service which offers harm reduction strategies, education, and resources for individuals impacted by substance use in the New River Valley. 540-585-3300 | nrvroadtowellness.com/rise-above Roanoke Resource A mental health agency in downtown Roanoke that provides person-centered services to restore hope, self-esteem, and empowerment. 540-400-7431 | roanokeresource.com Ticks in Virginia Raises awareness about tick-borne diseases and improving patient outcomes through education and research. * ticksinvirginia@gmail.com | ticksinvirginia.com To Our House Provides winter shelter for homeless adults in the New River Valley and connects them to employment, housing, and sustainability resources. 540-639-3159 | newrivercommunityaction.org/to-our-house Tri-Area Community Health (FQHC) Provides affordable, high-quality, comprehensive care across Virginia to improve health and well-being in the communities served. 866-942-0401 | triareahealth.org Virginia Disaster Assistance Team Health and Medical Emergency Response Teams (HMERT) provide trained EMS personnel for statewide disaster response. 540-443-7518 | vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services Virginia Poverty Law Center Offers advocacy, education, and litigation to break systemic barriers keeping low-income Virginians in poverty. 540-782-9430 | vplc.org Warm Hearth Village An inclusive retirement community that fosters a person-centered approach to aging and

redefining retirement living. 540-552-9176 | retire.org