History and Health Symposium 2026
Date: Thursday, Oct 29, 2026
Start time: 11:00 AM
End time: 5:00 PM
Location: Richmond Westin (6631 West Broad St., Richmond VA 23230)
Join the Humanities Research Center and the Office of Health Initiatives for the Fall 2026 History and Health Symposium, "Working Together to Improve Access to Rural Health Care."
This symposium will explore how access to health care and resources, particularly in rural communities, is related to improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities.
At the conclusion of the symposium, attendees should have gained increased awareness of:
- Strategies to improve access to healthcare in rural communities,
- Health-focused best practices for individuals living in rural communities, and
- Programs, policies, and innovations that are being implemented to address health care access in rural communities.
About the Speaker
Alan Morgan, MPA
Recognized as among the top 100 most influential people in healthcare by Modern Healthcare Magazine, Alan Morgan serves as Chief Executive Officer for the NationalRural Health Association. He has more than 36 years experience in health policy at both the state and federal levels, and he is one of the nation’s leading experts on rural health policy.
Mr. Morgan served as staff for former US Congressman Dick Nichols and former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden. Additionally, his past experience includes tenures as a health care lobbyist for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the Heart Rhythm Society, and for VHA Inc. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas, and a Masters degree in public administration from George Mason University.
Event contact: Ellie Musgrave, musgraveec@vcu.edu