CHARLESTON, W.Va., and WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) will join West Virginia community health leaders for a virtual convening on health and research, including discussions on rural health and equitable access, hosted by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The virtual event will take place on August 25 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. ET.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated stark disparities in healthcare delivery and health outcomes, including the health challenges disproportionately affecting rural America,” said PCORI’s Executive Director Nakela L. Cook, M.D., M.P.H. “This event presents an important opportunity to hear from community health leaders as PCORI shapes its future research funding agenda to bring more useful and evidence-based health information into the hands of patients and those who care for them."

"The support PCORI provides is crucial and helps patients make informed decisions that are best for their futures," said Capito. "This conversation will help ensure our community health voices are heard as PCORI continues its important research funding initiatives to help improve health and outcomes for all."

PCORI is hosting a series of community convenings across the U.S. as part of a strategic initiative to identify National Priorities for Health to guide our mission-driven work and a Research Agenda that establishes a research framework through which PCORI achieves progress on the National Priorities for Health. The convening of West Virginia community health leaders, joined by Capito, offers stakeholders and local communities opportunities to provide input and avenues to engage with PCORI. Future convenings will bring together Colorado and Maryland health leaders to discuss additional themes relevant to PCORI’s proposed National Priorities for Health and Research Agenda.