From strengthening maternal and child health research to developing statewide data tools and informing national rural health policy, East Tennessee State University’s Center for Rural Health and Research continues to expand its impact across Appalachia and beyond
The center’s 2026 Annual Report highlights a year of significant growth, including seven new research and evaluation projects totaling more than $1.3 million, expanded partnerships across Tennessee and the nation andinitiatives designed to improve health and quality of life in rural communities
“The work highlighted in this report reflects our commitment to conducting research that not only advances knowledge but also helps communities, policymakers and health leaders make informed decisions,” said Michael Meit, director of the Center for Rural Health and Research. “We are proud to partner with organizations across Tennessee and the nation to improve health outcomes and strengthen rural communities.”
Housed in the ETSU College of Public Health, the center develops evidence-based solutions to some of rural America’s most pressing challenges, including healthcare access, workforce shortages, aging populations and economic change. It was established in 2020 through a partnership between Ballad Health, the state of Tennessee and ETSU
The report showcases how the center’s work is helping communities, policymakers and healthcare leaders make more informed decisions through research, evaluation and community engagement
Among the year’s highlights, the center continued recruitment for its Strong LINK study, a long-term effort examining maternal and child health in the Appalachian Highlands that has enrolled more than 1,000 participants
Researchers also launched the Tennessee Livability Indicators Dashboard, giving community leaders and policymakers access to county-level data that helps guide planning and investment decisions, while continuing nationally recognized research on issues ranging from rural healthcare access and behavioral health to the public health workforce
The report also highlights the center’s growing national presence through federally funded research, statewide partnerships, new data rehe center published 31 scholarly publications, delivered 57 presentations and secured recognition for research on rural public health, behavioral health and recovery ecosystems
“The Center for Rural Health and Research exemplifies what public health should be — partnering with communities to understand their greatest challenges and developing evidence-based solutions that improve lives,” said Dr. Robert Pack, dean of ETSU’s College of Public Health. “This report demonstrates the impact our faculty and staff are making not only across Appalachia, but in shaping conversations about rural health nationwide.”
As the flagship institution of Appalachia, ETSU is committed to addressing the region’s most pressing challenges through research that creates meaningful, lasting impact. The Center for Rural Health and Research embodies that mission by partnering with communities, government agencies and healthcare organizations to translate research into practical solutions that strengthen rural health systems, improve quality of life and help shape the future of healthcare throughout Appalachia and beyond
Read the 2026 Annual Report to learn how ETSU’s Center for Rural Health and Research is advancing health and improving quality of life in rural communities across Appalachia and beyond at https://bit.ly/3S6kDyG
