What to do about healthcare disparities in Appalachia is the focus of the first-ever Appalachian Research Day Wednesday in Hazard. The conference takes place from 10 to 4 at the UK Center for Excellence in Rural Health.
"A lot of times all you hear is we have the highest rates of this and the highest rates of that but these programs show that there are ways that you can improve your health." said executive director Fran Feltner.
The conference’s theme is “Come Sit On The Porch.” It’ll give researchers and participants the chance to share results of recent studies conducted within communities in Eastern Kentucky.
"Basically we're trying to show that community based research begins at the local level. It's built upon the foundation of the relationship with our individuals, our neighbors, and the groups who have common questions and concerns," Feltner said.
Feltner says the conference hopes to do more than just point out health problems, but also offer workable solutions.
Here's a list of presenters and topics:
Lung Cancer Studies in Eastern Kentucky
Susanne Arnold, MD, UK Markey Cancer Center
Improving Cardiovascular Health in Socioeconomically Austere Rural Communities
Debra K. Moser, DNSc, RN, FAAN, UK College of Nursing
Early Childhood Behavior Study
Christina Studts, PhD, LCSW, UK College of Public Health
Stroke Navigator Study
Patrick Kitzman, PhD, MSPT, UK College of Health Sciences
Violet Sylvia, PhD, Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Improving Diabetes Outcomes (I DO)
Fran Feltner, DNP, director of the UK Center for Excellence in Rural Health
Is Participating in Research Right for Me?
Wayne Noble, Clinical Research Protocol Coordinator, UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health
Donna Fields, member of a Community Advisory Board for a research study