Released October 04, 2024
In August, HPIO has released a new data snapshot highlighting health in rural and Appalachian Ohio.
Living in communities with access to opportunity and resources is a key contributor to Ohioans’ health, well-being and economic security. There are many positive aspects of living in rural areas of Ohio, but the more than 2.3 million Ohioans who live in rural counties face a number of challenges that contribute to poor health outcomes.
The snapshot illustrates differences in community conditions, access to care, poverty and chronic stress. It also highlights health outcomes, such as deaths among working-age Ohioans.
As illustrated above, the trauma and stress associated with poverty puts Ohioans with lower incomes at higher risk of tobacco use and associated harms, as well as mental distress. The higher poverty rate in rural, Appalachian counties is echoed in higher smoking rates and rates for mental distress.
The snapshot also includes links to resources for state and local leaders. According to the snapshot, “There are many effective strategies that state and local leaders can use to ensure that Ohioans living in rural areas have access to the resources and environments needed to promote health and well-being.”