The focus of the Health Research Center is on behavioral research investigating health, health behaviors, and health outcomes for children, youth, and families. The Center is committed to interdisciplinary, interdepartmental investigations encompassing a wide range of interest areas, including primary care, chronic illness or disease, prevention, and risk reduction. The Center provides an environment and infrastructure for faculty with varied interests and expertise to collaborate and develop projects that promote the overall quality of life for these populations. The ultimate goal of the Center is to advance the science of behavioral and bio-behavioral approaches to understanding and treating the health-related problems of children, youth and families.

General Information

The focus of the Behavioral Studies section within the Health Research Center is on behavioral research investigating health, health behaviors, and health outcomes for children, youth, and families. The Center is committed to interdisciplinary, interdepartmental investigations encompassing a wide range of interest areas, including primary care, chronic illness or disease, prevention, and risk reduction. The Center provides an environment and infrastructure for faculty with varied interests and expertise to collaborate and develop projects that promote the overall quality of life for these populations. Unlike many other academic health centers, West Virginia University (WVU) provides primary care services to a large, stable population of rural patients. WVU also provides secondary and tertiary care. Our patient population ensures a degree of follow-up care and study completion.

The focus of the Clinical Trials section within the Health Research Center is on the conduct of industry sponsored research related to significant health problems in West Virginia, such as heart disease and diabetes, as well as psychiatric disorders and nicotine dependence.

The ultimate goal of the Center is to advance the science of behavioral, pharmocologic, and bio-behavioral approaches to understanding and treating the health-related problems of West Virginia families.

Mission & Goals

The mission of the HRC is to conduct research that addresses the health problems of importance to the citizens of West Virginia. The Center is committed to interdisciplinary, interdepartmental investigations encompassing a wide range of health areas, including primary care, chronic illness or disease, and prevention/risk reduction. The Center provides an environment and infrastructure for faculty with varied interests and expertise to collaborate and develop projects that will promote the overall quality of life for these populations. The ultimate goal of the Center is to advance the science of behavioral, pharmacologic, and biobehavioral approaches to understanding and treating the health problems of children and adults.