Healthcare Care Access Disparities in Appalachia

Similar to healthcare in Appalachia, mental healthcare is greatly lacking in the region. Much of Appalachia is characterized by isolated areas that have shortages of mental health providers (Correll, Cantrell, & Dalton, 2011). Literature suggests that rural residents have higher rates of mental health concerns than their urban counterparts (Smalley, Yancey, Warren, Naufel, Ryan, & Pugh, 2010). Individuals often do not seek treatment, and often have difficulty gaining access care (Smalley, Yancey

Virginia. I spent most of my early childhood with my grandparents and without this upbringing may have never found my interests in medicine. Living in Appalachia, I witnessed a decline in the health of my family, friends, and neighbors at an unusually rapid pace. My upbringing gives me a perspective on the need for patient-centered and cost-effective healthcare. I learned to make the most out of every situation and

Evaluation of Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality Camille E. Dantzler Simmons College of Nursing   Though not presently practicing, my long term goal is to provide primary care to the underserved rural population in my home state of West Virginia. Due to health disparities, this population is plagued by preventable disease. West Virginia is commonly referred to as the fattest state in the country. Along with Mississippi, it ranks number one for obesity prevalence

specialists available to care for them. Rural adults also face barriers due to distance and lack of transportation (Bennett, Lopes, Spencer, & Hecke, 2013). Disparities between rural and urban areas show that rural residents have lower health status overall. Specifically, rural women have fewer accesses to health care than women of urban areas, which have lead to worse health outcomes. Many rural areas across the United States lack women’s health providers, primary and specialty care, screening services

1 Providing Health Care in a Rural Setting Brigitte Tampon-Aragon and AJ Alcover W.R. Farrington High School January 30, 2015 2 Table of Contents Abstract………………………………………………………………..………….......…..Page 3 Introduction………………………………………………………………………….…....Page 3 Factors that should be considered… A. Income/ Support.…………………….…………………………...….…….….…..Page 4 B. Location………………………………...……………………………………....…Page 5 C. Culture………………………………...……………………………………..……Page 6 D. Education (Communication barriers, language barriers

of social justice issues related to healthcare. Overall, there are 5.3 million veterans residing in rural communities (Office of Rural Health, 2016). A total of 44 percent of those who enlist to serve in the military hail from rural areas of the United States (Gale & Heady, 2013). Regardless of their bravery, upon returning to civilian life these honorable men and women are met with social justice issues and limitations when attempting to access proper healthcare. As the veterans who served in recent

INTRODUCTION Everyone is potentially vulnerable at some point over the extent of one’s lifetime. More specifically, everyone is potentially at risk of poor physical, psychological, or social health. The word vulnerable is defined by the Merrian-Webster’s Dictionary as “capable of being physically wounded” or “open to attack or damage”. Commonly, the word vulnerability indicates one’s susceptibility to health problems, harm or neglect. Some however, maybe more or less susceptible or at risk of poor