Poor health outcomes among residents, and the question of how to help improve them, are critical issues for many communities across Appalachia. A recent review of health data shows that a significant number of the Region’s counties—particularly those that are rural and lower-income—are experiencing outcomes worse than the national averages on measures such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes mortality. But a new data analysis also finds something else in Appalachia's health landscape: “Bright Spot” communities, which have outcomes that, while still deeply challenging, are better than expected given local socioeconomic factors and resource limitations.
Identifying Bright Spots in Appalachian Health: Statistical Analysis analyzed data on 19 health indicators to identify counties whose health outcomes are better than those predicted based on socioeconomic and demographic data and other factors that influence health.
In identifying the 42 Bright Spot communities, the analysis laid the foundation for the research initiative’s next step: exploring local approaches that may be used in other communities to help build better health outcomes.
Read the study >
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Exploring Bright Spots in Appalachian Health: Case Studies explores health-promoting practices in ten of Appalachia’s Bright Spot communities. Field work revealed several common themes in the communities’ health efforts that may contribute to better-than-expected health outcomes, including community leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and a tradition of resource sharing.
See the full report >
Read the case studies:
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A new interactive data tool, HealthinAppalachia.org, offers customizable, downloadable reports, maps, and charts on 41 health measures at the county, regional, and state levels for the 13 Appalachian states. Measures include disease mortality, obesity, smoking, number of health care providers, disability, and others.
Try the tool >
Join an ARC tutorial on the tool on July 27.
Learn how at www.arc.gov.
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These new resources are part of the onging research initiative Creating a Culture of Health in Appalachia: Disparities and Bright Spots, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Appalachian Regional Commission and administered by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.
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