CHS, University Turn Out for 2nd Annual Rural Roots Health Conference

On May 29, members of the community, University and College of Health Sciences joined CHS students, faculty, staff and friends in the Gatton Student Center's Grand Ballroom for the 2nd annual Rural Roots Health Conference: Bridging Integrative Care for a Healthier Kentucky and Appalachia. 

Hosted by CHS and the Physician Assistant Studies program, topics discussed included integrated behavioral health, cultural competency, substance use disorder, and adverse childhood experiences.

Geographic isolation, workforce shortages, and limited interprofessional educational opportunities contribute to knowledge, competence, and performance gaps in rural and medically underserved communities in Kentucky’s Appalachian region. As a result, providers may struggle to effectively screen, manage, and coordinate care for patients with behavioral health conditions.

This educational activity addressed these gaps by providing accessible, virtual, and locally relevant training designed to equip rural healthcare teams with practical, evidence-based strategies for delivering integrated, interprofessional behavioral health care. The program aimed to boost provider confidence, improve care coordination, and enhance behavioral health outcomes in underserved Appalachian communities.