Health in Appalachia is a hot topic these days.
It’s a cornerstone of Shaping Our Appalachian Region, through which many discussions about community health have been had. Smoking cessation is a big issue in the region right now, as is reducing obesity rates and building walking trails through downtown areas. It’s also worth mentioning that health impact studies of mountaintop removal coal mining have been conducted here, and more are on the way.
Even though Central Appalachia – particularly eastern Kentucky – sits consistently at the bottom of various health rankings (some of the highest rates of heart disease, lung disease, cancer and drug addiction exist here; our people die very young, and mental health outcomes are low), healthcare has been one of the top three economic sectors in the region for at least a decade, and it’s place in the top three isn’t likely to shift in coming years.
It’s safe to say that anyone who’s interested in the future economic health of the region must also be concerned about the future physiological health of its people. The two are certainly linked, and this month in our Transition in Action series, we’ll try to reveal just how important that connection truly is.
With posts including interviews from a variety of folks whose work helps improve community health in a variety of ways, to those featuring a look at the state of health in the region today, including a look back at Appalachian healthcare in the past, this month’s prescription of stories might just be the easiest medicine you’ll take.
"Healthier communities will make us more attractive to employers. West Virginia used to have a reputation for a hardworking, healthy workforce. We now have a reputation for an unhealthy work force, which profoundly affects our economic development prospects." #TransitionInAction
Try This WV Highlights Health Transition in Action
appalachiantransition.org
Our guest blog today comes from Kate Long of Try This West Virginia, an innovative and community-driven health movement taking hold across the state. 1. Who are you, and what’s your role at…
"Community health is a broad term, for me. It means the health of our individual bodies—we must feel good and strong so that we can do the important work of living and learning and working; the health of our families—we need to nurture systems that allow families to access and eat healthy foods together, and to engage in activities that strengthen the family unit; and the health of our community—poor health costs us more than money, but the financial drain of an unhealthy community, placed on top of an economy that is in active collapse, is too much to bear. If we want to build a new economy and create just transitions to a healthier, wealthier, happier future, it’s essential that we make community health a priority." #TransitionInAction
Transition in Action: Jenny Williams
appalachiantransition.org
1. Who are you, and what’s your role at your organization? I am Jenny Williams, chair of Pathfinders of Perry County 2. How does your organization contribute to improving health in the regi…
Today, we’re reprinting two blogs with permission from the Kentucky Center of Economic Policy (KCEP). The first looks at the coverage gains and economic impacts that expanded Medicaid has brought to the state of Kentucky; the second looks at the potential drop in enrollment should the Governor’s proposed changes be accepted by the federal government.
The federal comment period on the proposed changes to Kentucky Medicaid closes Saturday, October 8th at 11pm. You can leave your comments by visiting www.Medicaid.gov. #TransitionInAction
Guest Blogs by KCEP: Medicaid’s Impacts on Health and Economies in Appalachian Kentucky
appalachiantransition.org
Today, we’re reprinting two blogs with permission from the Kentucky Center of Economic Policy (KCEP). The first looks at the coverage gains and economic impacts that expanded Medicaid has bro…