Member PHI

Health Affairs Institute

Sound strategies, improving lives

West Virginia University Health Affairs Institute (HAI), West Virginia’s public health institute, addresses complex issues through skilled analysis and evidence-based insights and supports decision-making on critical management and policy issues that help influence positive social changes and improve lives in Appalachia and beyond. We leverage the University’s R1 research designation and land-grant mission to serve our state and nation, offering expertise in program development and management, large-scale program evaluation and research, and health data analytics.

Public health impact

Health data analytics

Policy analysis

Program evaluation

Public impact research

Survey research

Training and technical assistance

Key partners

HAI works closely with our state partners, the West Virginia Departments of Health and Human Services, to address West Virginia’s most pressing health needs.

The West Virginia Department of Health is dedicated and motivated to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for all West Virginians. The department remains steady in its mission to empower residents through access to quality care and essential health services throughout every stage of life.
The West Virginia Department of Human Services promotes a thriving and healthy West Virginia through providing access to critical healthcare, essential social services and benefits, and trusted information, with a special emphasis on vulnerable populations.

Mountains and plateaus in West Virginia.

MATCH is a statewide, cross-sectional population health survey developed in partnership with multiple bureaus across the West Virginia Department of Health. This biennial survey collects information on the health status of West Virginians and data is representative of all 55 counties in the state. To date, respondents gave insights into their general physical wellness, ability to access needed healthcare, chronic diseases and their impact on general wellness, food security, financial stability, and mental well-being, in order to match community health needs with resources.

Learn more

HAI applies scientific expertise and high-quality program management to make a positive impact, using real world experience to address complex issues from public health and child welfare to workforce development and healthcare information technology. Through close partnerships with diverse stakeholders, we deliver outcomes that improve the health and well-being of the public and, ultimately, transform our communities. Our project findings have led to more vulnerable people living comfortably at home instead of in long-term healthcare facilities, better access for substance use disorder treatment, increased pay to retain social workers, rich state-level public health datasets, and more.

HAI is a nonpartisan organization that provides expert services in progressive health data analytics, public impact research, and program implementation and evaluation in collaboration with government agencies, foundations, and nonprofit organizations to inform the advancement of health at the local, state, and national levels.

Health Affairs Institute

Sound strategies, improving lives

Public health impact

Mountain State Assessment of Trends in Community Health (MATCH)