Appalachian Health and Well-Being

"A well-written, insightful work that encompasses the breadth of this important topic."—Baretta R. Casey, M.D., M.P.H.

"Ludke and Obermiller's work goes far beyond the borders of Appalachia to document the relationship between health and economic status. It particularly emphasizes the long-term effects of poverty on health. Its usefulness is not limited to Appalachia but to all those who believe that the opportunity for good health should not be defined by income and wealth."—William W. Philliber, author of Appalachian Migrants in Urban America

"An important and much-needed book. Mountaineers, both those inside the region as well as those beyond it, will receive better care from health-care providers and more humane treatment by policy makers if both read carefully the multidisciplinary perspectives contained in this timely volume."—Chad Berry, author of Southern Migrants, Northern Exiles

"An excellent introduction to the persisting health challenges of Appalachia, where health disparities are one of the continuing markers of inequality. In this volume some of the region's leading health researchers examine the economic, environmental, behavioral and systemic causes of those disparities."—Ronald D Eller, Distinguished Professor of History, author of Uneven Ground: Appalachia since 1945

"Brings together researchers who present data addressing health disparities affecting urban and rural Appalachians and offers possible solutions."—Kentucky Enquirer

"Ludke and Obermiller summarize the state of Appalachian health. . . . An important addition to the body of work documenting the state of Appalachia."—Kentucky Libraries

"A truly exemplary book. . . . Surveys nine areas of health in the region and concludes with policy recommendations."—Apalachian Heritage

"An important addition to the body of work documenting the state of Appalachia."—Kentucky Libraries

"This medical text, the first of its kind, focuses on health of the region's inhabitants as well as those who have moved away."—Library Journal

"While the idea of geographically-based health disparities is still evolving, this engaging resource has greatly expanded the concept in what is a remarkable volume of well-organized, well-written, evidence-based studies on health in Appalachia presented from a host of critical perspectives. This book should become required reading for policy makers, health care providers, community activists, and students everywhere."—Elke Jones Zschaebitz, David C. Gordon, Family and Community Health

"Appalachian Health and Well-being develops an enriched analytical framework for health care and creates a new, comprehensive source of knowledge that will benefit multidirectional efforts to improve Appalachian health. Authors offer informed recommendations for assessing and preventing disease and promoting health. This compilation is a pioneering work that will inform and guide readers and serve as a model for future Appalachian health research."—Journal of Appalachian Studies