VPM News/WMRA

VPM is a public media organization serving central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Based in the state capitol of Richmond, the VPM News team covers statewide politics, local government, education, legal issues and more for our NPR and PBS stations and digital channels to reach 2 million people in our coverage area. As an independent, non-profit service, we strive to create and serve a more informed public.

Current Position

Location: Richmond, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Beat: Rural healthcare

Position:

This beat focuses on areas west and south of the Charlottesville metro area, and some rural communities in the Shenandoah Valley where internet access is spotty. Rural healthcare access includes many topics such as facilities, health care costs, rural vs. metro attitudes, differences in rates of health outcomes, community based providers versus HMOs, lack of specialists, reported metrics versus real experiences, telemedicine access (lack of broadband), language barriers and how tech leaves rural communities behind. While exploring these issues, the journalist focuses on the solutions that are being pursued and grassroots efforts that might exist.

Reporter: Henry Brannan