Ballarat-based researcher, Dr Renee Clapham is leading the new study.

She said people who lived in rural and regional areas generally had poorer health and died earlier than people living in metropolitan areas.

"Our research team is doing a study to find out what people think are the priority health issues in their community," she said.

"We believe it is essential that research considers the needs, interests and values of people who live and work in this region. "

Rural Northwest Health chief executive Kevin Mills said the sessions provided an important opportunity for community members to make a difference.

"It's really important that our people attend events like this so the appropriate bodies have the right information on which they can base their decisions," he said.

Sessions will be in Warracknabeal, Horsham, Stawell and Ararat.