Center for Excellence in Rural Health

Research

The Division of Research was created to conduct rural health research relating to:

• health disparities;
• health outcomes;
• health policy;
• health care delivery systems.

The goals of the center’s research are:

• to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care for rural persons;
• eliminate health disparities;
• overcome barriers to access to quality care for the poor and underserved.

The center seeks to raise public awareness of rural health issues via dissemination of its research findings through publications, presentations and technical assistance to health practitioners, scholars and public groups. It also provides technical assistance by supplying information about grants available from federal sources.

UK Center for Excellence in Rural Health staff members are involved in several research projects.

• David A. Gross, director of research, marketing and community engagement, served on the Kentucky Institute of Medicine (KIOM) staff that compiled a 2007 comprehensive report on the Commonwealth’s health status, with an emphasis on rural areas. "The Health of Kentucky: A County Assessment," contains local health and health-related data, including a ranking of all 120 counties’ health status relative to the other counties.
• The center’s director, Dr. Baretta R. Casey, was a task force member for a joint KIOM/ Kentucky Medical Association project titled "Comprehensive Statewide Physician Workforce Study." Among other things, this 2007 report examines the changing patterns of physician practice, the impact of other health professions and services, and physician pipeline issues. Gross is a member of the staff that assisted with the preparation of the final report.