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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Appalachia

An Emerging Model for Community Health Worker-Based Chronic Care Management for Patients With High Health Care Costs in Rural Appalachia
Describes a community health worker-based chronic care management model implemented in rural counties in 3 central Appalachian states. Demonstrates how to engage health insurance companies to support and sustain this model.
Author(s): Richard Crespo, Matthew Christiansen, Kim Tieman, Richard Wittberg
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 17
Date: 02/2020
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Syringe Service Program Use Among People Who Inject Drugs in Appalachian Kentucky
Explores implementation of a harm reduction program for people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in rural Kentucky. Evaluates the efficacy of a syringe service program at reducing the transmission rates of HIV and HCV among PWIDs in Appalachian Kentucky.
Author(s): Hilary L. Surratt, Amy M. Cowley, Jennifer Gulley, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Public Health, 110(1), 34-36
Date: 01/2020
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Life Beyond 65: Changing Spatial Patterns of Survival at Older Ages in the United States, 2000–2016
Examines life expectancy trends among Americans at age 65 between 2000 and 2016. Analyzes data by sex and across 4 metropolitan categories and 10 geographic regions. Considers how causes of death impact the changes in mortality rates over time.
Author(s): Yana C Vierboom, Samuel H. Preston
Citation: The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 1-11
Date: 01/2020
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Faces of Black Lung II
Informational video describing the recent increase in cases of black lung disease, especially among younger miners in central Appalachia. Includes testimonials from former miners who suffer from black lung, and commentary by experts. Intended to increase awareness and to promote participation in the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program, which provides screenings to diagnose black lung as quickly as possible. Features transcript.
Author(s): Anita L. Wolfe
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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Ohio's Rural and Urban Counties
Map of rural, partially rural, urban, and Appalachian counties in Ohio overlaid with locations of Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
Date: 2020
Sponsoring organization: Ohio Primary Care Office
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The Rural Health Care Coordination Network Partnership Program: Williamson Health and Wellness Center
Describes and examines the impact of a care coordination program developed by the Williamson Health and Wellness Center based in Williamson, West Virginia. Describes the program's use of care teams of community health workers, a registered nurse, and a nurse practitioner providing care coordination to patients with diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Funded under the Rural Health Care Coordination Network Partnership Grant Program from 2015-2018, with additional private funding from a network of local philanthropies.
Date: 2020
Sponsoring organizations: NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis, University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Introducing the L.A.U.N.C.H Collaborative
Describes the Linking & Amplifying User-Centered Networks through Connected Health (L.A.U.N.C.H.) demonstration project, based in Appalachian Kentucky and aimed at preventing cancer and removing obstacles faced by cancer patients in rural and underserved areas, through improvements in broadband access.
Author(s): F. Douglas Scutchfield, Kevin Patrick
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 2(1), 1-5
Date: 2020
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Access to Autism Spectrum Disorder Services for Rural Appalachian Citizens
Summarizes the challenges of accessibility and affordability faced by residents of rural southwest Virginia as they seek services for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Highlights the effects of extreme poverty and the need for cultural sensitivity among service providers. Offers suggestions for policymakers and features demographic statistics on caregivers and providers.
Author(s): Angela Scarpa, Laura S. Jensen, Denis Gracanin, Sharon L. Ramey, Angela V. Dahiya
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 2(1), 25-40
Date: 2020
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A Healthy Attitude: Rural Leaders in TN County Organize to Address Well-Being in Appalachia
Describes ways in which local leaders in Grundy County, Tennessee implemented programs to promote physical activity, support children and families, increase access to philanthropic resources, and establish a working relationship with a nearby university.
Author(s): Tim Marema, Erin Bouldin
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 2(1), 60-64
Date: 2020
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Development and Early Outcomes of the Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative, North Carolina
Examines the work of a rural North Carolina community group dedicated to promoting health and resiliency on the local level, by preventing childhood trauma and helping adults who had adverse childhood experiences. Describes their organizing model, including goals of raising awareness, using data to inform actions, and creating context for health families through policies.
Author(s): Tim Marema, Erin Bouldin
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 2(1), 41-46
Date: 2020
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