Background: Deficits in the level of physical and mental health of Appalachian residents rank among the “long-standing issues” for which the Institute seeks practical solutions. The Guidance for the National Health Care Disparities Report concludes, “Regional differences show that history, environment, culture, and politics have combined to create disparities that cross state boundaries. Those regional differences – apparent in the Southeast, Appalachia…point to the need for interstate collaboration or federal coordination and sharing of resources.” The Appalachian Institute is undertaking a creative way to advance the discussion within the region and across the country about the health challenges in the mountains. We plan to employ A Medical Survey of the Bituminous-Coal Industry, Report of the Coal Mines Administration, a 1947 report conducted by U.S. Navy Admiral Joel T. Boone on health conditions in the Appalachian region and a 67-page supplement to the report that provides an overview of the daily life of “The Coal Miner and His Family.” The study, known as the Boone Report, is “unique in that it represents the first Nation-wide medical survey of an industry conducted under Government auspices.”

Proposed 2005-2006 Project: Through a survey of existing literature on Appalachian health issues, collaboration on new studies, and/or the preparation of a parallel photo essay in the region, the Appalachian Institute plans to use the 60th anniversary of the Boone Report as an occasion to review and respond to the progress and regression of Appalachian health. The purposes of this project are to direct attention to the health needs of the region; to develop alliances with health institutions and grass roots groups in the mountains to develop a network of wellness education resources in rural communities; and to foster political support needed health initiatives for the region.

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OUR FUTURE IN RETROSPECT?
Coal Miner Health in Appalachia exhibit