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NORC at the University Chicago
Supporting the health and well-being of rural Americans.

Roughly one in five Americans lives in rural areas, where they produce much of this country’s drinking water, food, and energy. Protecting their health is a unique and vital challenge. The Walsh Center’s researchers partner with residents, health providers, public health departments, and other organizations committed to improving rural health.

We examine such subjects as access to care, emergency preparedness, mental health, Medicare payment policies, tribal medicine, veterans’ health, and the rural health workforce.

Center Lead

Alana D. Knudson
Program Area Director

Walsh Center Staff

Our Expertise

Discover Our Research

We go the extra mile to examine health care issues off the beaten path.

Groundbreaking Interactive Tool Provides Detailed Data on Local Recovery Ecosystems

Millions of individuals are estimated to have a substance use disorder, contributing to serious health, social, and economic consequences.

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Rural Health Mapping Tool

An interactive mapping tool to help guide rural communities’ strategies around COVID-19

Client:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Rural Emergency Preparedness & Response Toolkit

Supporting disaster planning, response, and recovery efforts in rural America

Funder:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration

Improving Rural Health Care Delivery in Maryland’s Mid-Shore Region

Developing innovative health care delivery models with the University of Maryland

Client:

Maryland Health Care Commission

Appalachian Overdose Mapping Tool

An online tool enables sophisticated analysis of opioid crisis in Appalachia

Client:

Appalachian Regional Commission

Evaluation of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model

Assessing efforts to improve the financial health of rural hospitals and maintain access to care

Client:

Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Community Health Toolkits for Rural America

Evidence-based approaches for building effective rural community health programs

Client:

Federal Office of Rural Health Policy