Abstract

This research examines morbidity, disability, mortality; challenges to rural health, such as occupational hazards; health disparities among minorities and other disadvantaged groups; health care, and the potential to address problems in rural health.

Issue

The research addresses the challenges and possibilities and compares the status of rural vs. urban health and health care. The research is being used by rural policy

institutes, agency personnel at national, state and local levels and legislators to inform the development of policies and programs on rural health.

Response

Working with two other co-editors, I was lead co-editor in the development of a book focused on critical issues in rural health and health care. I have made

findings from the book available to policy makers, agency personnel and

academics. I have given several oral presentations on the book's major findings,

which were designed to inform public policy and program development.

Impact

The book is being used by Rural Policy Research Institute, the Office of Rural, and other similar groups because of its up-to-date statistics on health and health

care in rural areas. Information in the book is being used to inform the development of health and health care policies and programs and to set future research agendas.

Funding Sources

• Federal Formula Funds - Research (e.g., Hatch, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health)
• Polson Institute

Collaborators

• Iowa State University and Michigan State University

Key Personnel

• Lois Wright Morton, Department of Sociology, Iowa State University
• Nan E. Johnson, Department of Sociology, Michigan State University