The Ohio State University Senate recently gave the green light to a new initiative aimed at improving health care in rural and Appalachian areas of Ohio. This new center, called the Appalachian and Rural Center for Health (ARCH), will bolster the university’s outreach and research efforts in these underserved regions.
According to Sue Sutherland, chair of the Council on Academic Affairs, this initiative matches the mission of both the Wexner Medical Center and the university’s strategic goals. She pointed out that “Ohio ranks ninth for the least healthy population and has the fourth largest rural population in the U.S.” ARCH intends to work closely with local communities to create sustainable health care solutions that meet their specific needs.
In the coming two years, ARCH will focus on identifying three to four community partners, aiming to establish a presence in seven communities by year two. The selection will depend on geographic location and existing partnerships with the Wexner Medical Center, enabling a smoother implementation process.
Lori Criss, who leads rural and Appalachian health at Wexner, emphasized that ARCH will serve as a bridge. It will connect university expertise with community needs, driving innovative solutions in health care delivery. “Our goal is to foster collaboration with the communities we are serving,” she explained.
Claire Verschraegen, a professor in the College of Medicine, noted the importance of research during this stage. Understanding community-specific health challenges is essential for crafting appropriate care standards. Andrew Thomas, chief clinical officer at Wexner Medical Center, added that ARCH is still forming its agenda, driven primarily by local needs. “The solutions will come from the communities,” he stated, underscoring a community-oriented approach.
Sutherland also revealed the financial backing for this initiative. Wexner Medical Center has allocated $2.4 million for the first year, increasing to $3.2 million in the second year, showing a commitment to improving health outcomes in these regions.
This initiative reflects a growing trend in health care towards community-based solutions. A study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that health disparities are often exacerbated in rural areas due to a lack of access to care and resources. As Ohio strives to improve its health rankings, ARCH represents a proactive step in addressing these challenges.
Moving forward, the success of ARCH could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country, focusing on regional health equity and collaborative solutions.
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