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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Appalachia

Breathless and Betrayed: What is MSHA Doing to Protect Miners from the Resurgence of Black Lung Disease?
Provides a U.S. House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections hearing on the increase in lung disease among coal miners, particularly in the Appalachian states of Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia, and what the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) should do about it. Addresses the history of black lung in the U.S., black lung statistics, the impact of quartz exposure and ways to reduce it, and the finances of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. Includes testimony from the Government Accountability Office, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, United Mine Workers of America, University of Illinois School of Public Health, and others.
Additional links: Cecil Roberts, John Howard Testimony, Robert Cohen Testimony
Date: 06/2019
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: U.S. House of Representatives
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A Longitudinal Analysis of Ohio Suicide Deaths 2008-2017
Report highlights the deaths by suicide in Ohio from 2008-2017. Presents county-level data and compares metro, suburban, rural, and Appalachian areas.
Date: 05/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health
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Opioids in Appalachia: The Role of Counties in Reversing a Regional Epidemic
Details the state of the opioid epidemic in Appalachia and presents recommendations to help county leaders respond to the opioid crisis. Features individual county case studies highlighting the challenges and strategies in addressing the opioid crisis.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Date: 05/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Counties
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Serum Cotinine Versus Parent Reported Measures of Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Rural Appalachian Children
Highlights a study of secondhand smoke exposure in Appalachian children. Features data collected from children aged 7-9 and compares rates to national and Appalachian-state rates.
Author(s): Samrat Yeramaneni, Kimberly Yolton, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Kim N. Dietrich, Erin N. Haynes
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 1(1), 15-26
Date: 04/2019
Type: Document
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Health Disparities Related to Smoking in Appalachia: Practical Strategies and Recommendations for Communities
Offers statistics on smoking in rural Appalachian communities. Highlights strategies and resources to reduce tobacco use. Covers recommendations to assist policymakers, funders, and leaders working to reduce health disparities related to smoking and tobacco use.
Author(s): Kate Beatty, Nathan Hale, Michael Meit, et al.
Date: 04/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Appalachian Regional Commission
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Health Disparities Related to Obesity in Appalachia: Practical Strategies and Recommendations for Communities
Offers statistics on obesity in rural Appalachian communities. Highlights strategies and resources to prevent and reduce obesity. Covers recommendations to assist policymakers, funders, and leaders working to reduce obesity related health disparities.
Author(s): Kate Beatty, Nathan Hale, Michael Meit, et al.
Date: 04/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Appalachian Regional Commission
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Health Disparities Related to Opioid Misuse in Appalachia: Practical Strategies and Recommendations for Communities
Offers statistics on opioid misuse and overdose deaths in rural Appalachian communities. Highlights strategies and resources to address opioid issues. Covers recommendations to assist policymakers, funders, and leaders working to reduce opioid related health disparities.
Author(s): Kate Beatty, Nathan Hale, Michael Meit, et al.
Date: 04/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Appalachian Regional Commission
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Resilient Rural America: Southeast Kentucky
Series of articles about the challenges of life in rural southeast Kentucky. Includes discussion of Mountain Moms, an Appalachian Kentucky support group for low-income women who have experienced domestic violence. Part of the Resilient Rural America series.
Author(s): Blake Tommey
Date: 04/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Baptist News Global
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Cancer-Related Beliefs and Perceptions in Appalachia: Findings from 3 States
Highlights a study on the beliefs and perceptions about cancer held by people in Appalachia. Bases conclusions on the results of a survey of rural Appalachian counties in Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Author(s): Robin C. Vanderpool, Bin Huang, Yangyang Deng, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 35(2), 176-188
Date: 03/2019
Type: Document
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Estimating the Number of People Who Inject Drugs in A Rural County in Appalachia
Demonstrates how a group of researchers conducted data collection in Cabell County, West Virginia in June and July 2018, to estimate the number of people who inject drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Features statistics including demographics and breakdowns by type of drug injected.
Author(s): Sean T. Allen, Allison O'Rourke, Rebecca Hamilton White, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Public Health, 109(3), 445-450
Date: 03/2019
Type: Document
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