Emily Sarkees, BA

Emily Sarkees is a career researcher with a background in social services and community health dedicated to improving the lives of West Virginians.

Manager of Research Support

Organization:

West Virginia University Health Sciences Center

Department:

Health Affairs Institute

Classification:

Staff

• BA, Sociology, West Virginia University

Bias, T,  Abildso, C, and Sarkees, E., The Importance of Individual-Site and System-Wide Community Health Needs Assessments.  Frontiers in Public Health, 2020. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00020

In her role as a research specialist, Emily works with all WVU Health System hospitals as well as the Monongalia County Health Department to conduct their individual Community Health Needs Assessments and is involved in all aspects of organizing the process with each hospital, including data collection and analysis, reporting, and presentation to stakeholders and leadership. These efforts culminate in a plan for each hospital to provide community benefits to area residents.
 
Prior to joining the Office of Health Affairs, Emily worked in the School of Public Health on assorted program and policy evaluation projects as well as in social services and community mental health in the city of Morgantown. A background in direct service laid the groundwork for meaningful qualitative research and an ability to connect comfortably with other people. Being involved in the community and with the WVU School of Public Health reinforced the idea that partnerships with stakeholders and those who are already “doing the work” are critical to program success and an ability to serve West Virginians in ways that are truly needed.