University of Alabama Institute for Rural Health

Established in 2001, the Institute for Rural Health Research works to bring the highest attainable standard of health to rural citizens. The Institute pursues this mission through the combined strength of scientific knowledge, community involvement and informed public policy. The Institute’s research efforts are focused on health issues that impact people who live in rural areas. The goal is to pr

oduce research that is useful to communities, policymakers and health care providers as they work to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of health care for rural and underserved citizens. The Institute also serves as a resource for researchers, individuals and organizations working to improve the health of rural communities. Annually the Institute for Rural Health Research at The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, the Rural Health Conference centers around health care issues relevant to rural communities. Each year, the conference provides a platform for health care professionals, community leaders, researchers, government officials and representatives of faith-based organizations who come together to hear from prominent speakers and to share critical information and knowledge about the health disparities that impact rural Alabama.