Appalachian Health

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.”

Economic Development

Background: Since 2000, the United States has lost 2.8 million manufacturing jobs and witnessed unprecedented growth in the trade deficit. Citizens in the Appalachian region, many of whom depended on steel, textile, and other manufacturing and related (e.g., coal) industry for their livelihoods, have suffered significantly as a result. The Appalachian Institute, since its inception in September 2002, has acted to raise awareness of and seek solutions for the desperate local and regional economic development and job creation needs that now exist. Our research of existing policy statements leads us to the conclusion that few comprehensive, concrete plans identify: potential new industries; related tax and other financial incentives and/or assistance; research and development support; education and retraining targeted at emerging jobs; trade policies affecting outsourcing, currency manipulation, agreements on labor and environment standards; and technology and energy development.

Education

Background: In June 2003, a collaboration of the National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC), the Center for Educational Technology (CET), the Appalachian Institute, and faculty at Wheeling Jesuit University, along with partners from West Virginia University (WVU), the International Union of Operating Engineers, and the National Energy Technology Laboratory began work on the Coal Impoundment Project (www.coalimpoundment.org). The goal of the project is to identify coal impoundments in West Virginia, alert residents of emergency situations and evacuation plans, and examine alternatives for impounding coal waste and sludge. Through this project, should a failure occur, citizens who live in these areas have access to emergency information.

Coal Impoundment

Background: In June 2003, a collaboration of the National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC), the Center for Educational Technology (CET), the Appalachian Institute, and faculty at Wheeling Jesuit University, along with partners from West Virginia University (WVU), the International Union of Operating Engineers, and the National Energy Technology Laboratory began work on the Coal Impoundment Project (www.coalimpoundment.org). The goal of the project is to identify coal impoundments in West Virginia, alert residents of emergency situations and evacuation plans, and examine alternatives for impounding coal waste and sludge. Through this project, should a failure occur, citizens who live in these areas have access to emergency information.