NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving clinical trials in rural West Virginia

Official title: West Virginia Rural Roots to Research

Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11118067 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working to make sure that people living in rural West Virginia can take part in important health research, so we can find better ways to improve their health and care.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWest Virginia University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Morgantown, United States)
Project startSeptember 23, 2024
Project endSeptember 22, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,326,973
NIH project number1OT2OD038378-01
Project IDNIH-11118067 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation are rural residents of West Virginia, particularly those affected by chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and substance use disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients living outside of West Virginia or those not residing in rural areas may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the representation of rural residents in clinical trials in West Virginia, a state facing significant health challenges such as high mortality rates and prevalent chronic conditions. The project will establish a network called West Virginia Rural Roots to Research (WVR3), which will focus on creating a robust infrastructure for conducting clinical studies in rural areas. By optimizing clinic workflows and incorporating community feedback, the initiative seeks to improve health outcomes through impactful clinical trials that modify primary care practices and health behaviors.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for rural West Virginians by increasing access to relevant clinical trials and enhancing healthcare practices.

How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives in other regions have shown success in increasing clinical trial participation and improving health outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • West Virginia University
    Morgantown, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hodder, Sally Lynn — West Virginia University
  • Study coordinator: Hodder, Sally Lynn

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.