By Elizabeth “Lizzie” Washington of Mountain Voice
Appalachians are known for…
Appalachians are known for their connection to the mountains, music traditions, and culture of resourcefulness. Appalachian people are often described as having tight-knit families, strong communities, and a spirit of self-sufficiency. Nonetheless, they are also known for facing high rates of poverty, isolation, and health disparities. Research shows that the Appalachian region spans 13 states and is characterized by a resilient and hardworking spirit (Americans Helping Americans). Additionally, Appalachian residents continue to face severe healthcare disparities. They experience higher rates of illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and COPD while also facing healthcare provider shortages.
One Thing That Stands Out to Me
One thing that stands out to me is that the region has high greenness levels and beautiful natural landscapes, yet many Appalachians still experience poor health outcomes. According to research, Appalachian communities generally face higher levels of poverty and unemployment, lower levels of education, and greater rural isolation than the United States as a whole (Cardarelli et al.). Additionally, people in Appalachia have some of the highest rates of adult obesity, obstructive lung disease, and lung cancer. Families also struggle with chronic poverty, the decline of the coal industry, and limited access to healthcare services.
A Social Justice Issue
One can only imagine the heartache, pain, and suffering that someone must face when they cannot afford healthcare or even have access to it. Limited access to healthcare is not just a medical issue; it is a social justice issue that affects Appalachian communities every day. This paper explores how limited access to healthcare affects Appalachian communities and the consequences that can result from these barriers.
One clear example is the high rates of preventable illness and death that occur when people cannot receive medical care on time. Another example is the medical debt traps that many Appalachian residents frequently discuss. Many people live in counties suffering from severe healthcare provider shortages, lack health insurance, or delay treatment until their condition becomes critical.
Real Stories from Appalachia
For example, Kenny Sutherland from rural Appalachia shared that when he had no vehicle and no health insurance, he was forced to walk 30 miles to a clinic in southwest Virginia. (Kentucky Voices for Health). Even then, he was only able to receive limited dental and eye care. Additionally, Whitney from Kentucky suffered from meningitis that later resulted in a brain injury and severe epilepsy because she could not afford to visit a doctor when her flu-like symptoms first began (Kentucky Voices for Health).
Did Whitney Deserve Healthcare?
Did Whitney deserve healthcare? Did Kenny deserve healthcare? The answer is short and direct: yes, they did. Their stories remind us that healthcare should not depend on where someone lives, whether they have transportation, their social status, or how much money they have. Yet many Appalachian residents continue to face these barriers every day. Access to healthcare is not just a healthcare issue; it’s, in fact, a social justice issue.
Mental Health Is Healthcare
Mental health is another healthcare issue that should not be ignored in Appalachia. Research shows that people living in poverty are 1.5 to 3 times more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health illnesses (MIT Economics). I find this heartbreaking because many Appalachian families are already struggling with poverty, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to live with financial stress while also trying to manage one’s mental health. When people cannot afford therapy, medication, or even regular doctor visits, many are left to suffer in silence, making an already difficult situation even worse.
No one should be faced with choosing between taking care of their mental health and meeting their basic needs. To me, this shows that mental health is not just a personal issue; it is also a social justice issue because everyone deserves access to affordable, quality mental healthcare, no matter where they live or how much money they make.
Final Thoughts
All in all, after learning more about healthcare in Appalachia, I believe access to healthcare is more than just a medical issue; it is a social justice issue. No one should have to choose between paying their bills and going to the doctor, walking miles just to receive care, or delaying treatment because they cannot afford it. The stories of Kenny and Whitney remind us that these are not just statistics; they are real people whose lives were forever changed by barriers to healthcare.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life, regardless of where they live, how much money they have, or whether they have insurance. I hope more attention is given to improving healthcare access in Appalachia so that future generations do not have to experience the same struggles.
Works Cited:
https://economics.mit.edu/sites/default/files/2022-09/poverty-depression-anxiety-science.pdf
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