West Virginia Appoints Leaders for Rural Health Transformation Program

Carrie Jeffries and Dr. Soumya Prasad to head new state initiative

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The West Virginia Department of Health has appointed Carrie Jeffries as director and Dr. Soumya Prasad as deputy director to lead the state's new Rural Health Transformation program, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of this initiative.

Why it matters

Rural communities in West Virginia face unique healthcare challenges, including limited access to medical services, provider shortages, and higher rates of chronic conditions. The Rural Health Transformation program aims to address these disparities and improve health outcomes for residents in the state's rural areas.

The details

Jeffries and Prasad will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Rural Health Transformation program, which is designed to invest in infrastructure, expand telehealth services, recruit and retain healthcare workers, and implement other strategies to strengthen the rural healthcare system in West Virginia.

  • The appointments were announced on February 17, 2026.

The players

Carrie Jeffries

The newly appointed director of the West Virginia Department of Health's Rural Health Transformation program.

Dr. Soumya Prasad

The newly appointed deputy director of the West Virginia Department of Health's Rural Health Transformation program.

West Virginia Department of Health

The state agency that oversees healthcare initiatives and appointed Jeffries and Prasad to lead the Rural Health Transformation program.

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What’s next

The Rural Health Transformation program will begin implementing its strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes in West Virginia's rural communities.

The takeaway

The appointments of Jeffries and Prasad to lead the Rural Health Transformation program demonstrate West Virginia's commitment to addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by its rural residents and working to bridge the gap in access and quality of care.