The final reports in the Creating a Culture of Health in Appalachia research initiative are a set of three issue briefs created to help inform community efforts related to the specific, prevalent Appalachian health issues of obesity, opioid misuse, and smoking.

This brief summarizes relevant health statistics, offers key strategies and resources for communities to explore, and provides recommendations for community leaders, funders, and policymakers aimed at reducing health disparities in the Appalachian Region related to opioid misuse.

See the other issue briefs for strategies related to obesity and smoking.

These briefs follow the initiative’s first three reports, Health Disparities in Appalachia, Identifying Bright Spots in Appalachian Health: Statistical Analysis, and Exploring Bright Spots in Appalachian Health: Case Studies.

Visit HealthinAppalachia.org to learn more about the Creating a Culture of Health in Appalachia health research initiative. This interactive website allows users to explore all of the initiative’s reports, as well create customized and downloadable data reports, charts, and maps.