Blog
A Race Against Time: Overcoming Vaccine Hesitancy in Rural Communities
As COVID-19 Vaccination rates continue to decrease, we must do everything possible to increase vaccine confidence and see as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible. In our rural populations, where surveys show hesitancy is greatest, providing culturally appropriate messaging with cultural...
In the Nick of Time: A Marvelous Christmas Blessing
2020 has been an extremely challenging year for almost everyone across the globe. Last year at this time, we were hearing rumors of a new Coronavirus which was wreaking havoc in China. Most of us never dreamed it would arrive in the United States, much less spread like wildfire and cause so much...
COVID-19: A Perfect Storm
Early Days of Pandemic In March, when the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading nationwide, measures were put in place to mitigate the horrendous effects of the virus. Except for essential businesses, most businesses closed. A record number of schools transitioned to a virtual platform. People were...
When Did Public Health Become the Enemy?
The Goal of Public Health The goal of public health is to prevent people from getting sick or injured. Unlike most health care where the focus is on treating people after they develop a medical condition, public health has always been about protecting the public, focusing on ways to prevent...
“I Don’t Care To” – Would Understanding Culture Improve Healthcare Outcomes?
Understanding Appalchian Culture to Improve Health Outcomes I have always had a deep love for the Appalachian region. Little did I know when I took an Introduction to Appalachia Course to meet a general education requirement for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, that my life would turn...
In Appalachian Healthcare, Cultural Understanding is Key
45th Annual Transcultural Nursing Society Conference I was very excited to attend the 45th Annual Transcultural Nursing Society Conference in Richmond, Virginia, October 16-19, 2019. The Transcultural Nursing Society was founded in 1974 under the leadership of Madeleine Leininger, RN, PhD. ...
Dogwood Health Trust Holds Community Meetings
On October 9th, I attended the first of three Dogwood Health Trust Community meetings which was held at McDowell Tech Community College in Marion, NC. Appalachian Healthcare Training & Consulting is focused on seeing improvement in health and healthcare in the South-Central Appalachian region....
“How Do Appalachian Patients Respond to Being Told What to do or Treated in an Authoritative Manner?”
Qualitative Nursing Study Several years ago, my research focused on improving health and healthcare in Appalachia. I conducted a qualitative research study where I interviewed native Appalachian nurses to try and determine if native Appalachian patients experienced the health care system...