EASTERN WV RURAL HEALTH
EDUCATION CONSORTIUM
September 7, 2004
Bobbie Brown
Chair, WVRHEP Finance Committee
P.O. Box 9003
Morgantown, WV 26506-9003
Dear Mr. Brown:
During the past two years discussions have taken place between the leadership of the Eastern RHEP and the Eastern AHEC regarding the possibility of consolidating the Boards of both organizations to achieve better operating efficiencies and economies of scale. There has been little progress made in effecting any agreement toward consolidating these activities. Some personality conflicts along with operational issues have resulted in a stalemate in these discussions. The philosophical approach to the long-term development of the Eastern AHEC is different from other areas. The AHEC director is planning to structure the Eastern AHEC on a model currently in existence in one of the Southern states that has a clinical focus. It is anticipated that additional discussions on the possibilities of the consolidation of these two programs is expected to be held within the next 60 days.
With the restriction of RHEP rotations within the city of Martinsburg, the necessity of having the same level of staffing in the Martinsburg office is under study. The coordinator position in the Martinsburg office is currently vacant and will not be filled until an evaluation of the possible effect of the restriction is carried out. The office will be staffed with one secretary position with oversight by the Coordinator in Petersburg until such time as a final decision is made. There are possible opportunities for some expense sharing in cooperation with the Eastern Campus, and these opportunities will be explored with the new Medical Director of the Eastern Campus over the next several weeks. The present office facilities will also be evaluated to determine the maximum need of the RHEP program and the possibility of renting excess space to the Eastern Campus will be explored. That this may occur in the near term is a possibility. It is anticipated that the demand for student housing for rotations occurring in the Eastern Panhandle will continue until at least the summer of 2005. At that time the need will be re-evaluated and the possibility of renting excess capacity to other health science students will be considered. The exact cost effect of any changes to the existing RHEP program cannot be estimated at this time. Cost savings will depend upon the outcome of the discussions with the Eastern Campus, Eastern AHEC and the RHEP program.
Should you have any questions or need further information, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Gaye Mitchell
Board Chairperson
Cc: Board of Directors
A Consortium of the West Virginia Rural Health
Education Partnerships