Appalachian Quality of Life Institute

Overview

In many areas of West Virginia, nursing professionals play a crucial role in improving the health status of the communities they serve. Nurses are uniquely positioned to make a positive impact both on individuals and on the local social environment for healthcare. It is imperative that these nurses be provided with knowledge of best available practices and that faculty and students have opportunities to develop skills to use that knowledge.

Identifying and sharing those best practices is the mission of the Appalachian Quality of Life Institute. Sixty percent of West Virginia's counties have evident health disparities. To address some of the Appalachian region's most urgent needs, the Institute's initial efforts will use educational programs along with development of research and practice to target:

The rural and underserved population; and
Chronic illnesses, especially cancer, heart disease and dementia.

The Quality of Life Institute's goals for the program fall primarily into two areas:

Improving access to high-quality care: Removing barriers to healthcare access and removing any factors that impede good nursing practice.
Promoting self-management: Helping people make good healthcare decisions, embrace a healthier lifestyle, prevent disease and its complications, adhere to treatment recommendations and cope better with the health challenges of aging.

The Appalachian Quality of Life Institute will work with WVU Centers, non-profit organizations, state agencies and policymakers to achieve better access to care, alleviate health disparities and improve population health. The effectiveness of the Institute's work will be carefully assessed. In five years, the Institute expects to document improved levels of service and reduced disparities in 15 West Virginia counties with the greatest health disparities. The Institute's staff is currently identifying partners that are interested in forging an alliance to improve quality of life for West Virginians. If you are interested in learning more or working with us please contact Angela Summer at 293-1839 or asummer@hsc.wvu.edu.

The Institute's Director, Laurie Badzek and Grant Administrator, Angela Summer are available for consultation and advice on project planning, proposal preparation, manuscript preparation and other services as requested. Please call Susan Jolliff at 293-1598 to schedule an appointment.