A private, nonprofit organization under contract to the state, it recommends which projects should receive a Certificate of Public Need - mandatory for most large projects to go forward. Health planning agencies are designed to help ensure equal access to quality medical care across the state without duplication. The openings include a slot for a consumer and one for a health care provider living in the Roanoke Valley. The agency also needs a consumer representative from the New River Valley and a business person and an academic from anywhere in Southwest Virginia. Continuing board members will screen the applicants and select which to appoint.
Terms range from one to three years.
Board members are not paid, but meetings are mandatory. Because of problems with meeting attendance, the board earlier this year voted itself the power to expel board members who miss three meetings in a row or five in a year without an excuse. The agency pays members' monthly meeting and travel expenses. The agency can be reached at 725-7410. The address is 3247 Electric Road, Suite 2B, Roanoke 24018.