Name
The Power of Story and Connection: Meeting the Primary Care Needs of People in Appalachia
Description

Appalachian culture and healthcare intersect in complex ways, shaped by socio-economic and cultural factors unique to the region. This presentation will explore the healthcare disparities faced by Appalachian populations and the influence of local cultural norms on healthcare decision-making. We aim to provide practical insights and strategies on how to approach visits as Behavioral Health Consultants within the context of Appalachian culture to enhance healthcare outcomes and address unique patient needs.

Speakers
Ciara Incorvati PsyD, Behavioral Scientist Faculty, HealthSource of Ohio, Loveland, Ohio
Michael Dietz DO, Assistant Medical Director, HealthSource of Ohio, Loveland, Ohio
Stephanie Burkhard BH Consultant, Behavioral Health Consultant, HealthSource of Ohio, Loveland, Ohio
Mike Bruner PsyD, PsyD, HealthSource of Ohio, West Chester, Ohio
Ciara Incorvati Michael Dietz Stephanie Burkhard Mike Bruner
Co-Authors
Kane Carlock, Ph.D.
Content Level
All Audience
Tags
Patient-centered care or Patient perspectives, Primary Care Behavioral Health Model, Rural
Session Type
Concurrent
SIG or Committee
Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH)
Objective 1
Identify values that are characterized within Appalachian culture
Objective 2
Describe the healthcare disparities that patients living in Appalachia face
Objective 3
List new strategies to use when providing care to patients within Appalachian culture that will help improve patient outcomes
Content Reference 1

Mixer, S. J., & Fornehed, M. L. C. (2021). People of Appalachian heritage. In L. D. Purnell & M. A. Fenkl (Eds.), Handbook for culturally competent care: Guidelines for improving cross-cultural healthcare and service delivery (pp. 217–250). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51399-3_8

Content Reference 2

Stanzak, S. J., & Fornehed, M. L. C. (2023). Appalachians and health disparities: Addressing barriers and promoting equity. In R. Scales & A. T. McCleary-Gaddy (Eds.), Cultural issues in healthcare. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20826-3_5

Content Reference 3

Hash, K. M., Schreurs, B. G., Tolley, S. M., & Fiske, A. (2024). Health Disparities in Appalachian and Other Rural Communities. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 98(1), 56–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/00914150231171856

Content Reference 4

Morrone, M., Cronin, C. E., Schuller, K., & Nicks, S. E. (2021). Access to health care in Appalachia: perception and reality. Journal of Appalachian health, 3(4), 123.

Content Reference 5

Martin, L. (2024). Localism," Making Do," and Rural Culture in Appalachian History. West Virginia History: A Journal of Regional Studies, 18(1), 57-81.