The Appalachian Public Health Innovation Lab (A-PHI) advances community-driven solutions to public health challenges in rural areas by fostering collaboration and resilience. We engage health agencies, faculty, students, volunteers, and regional partners to build capacity in public health. Guided by the voices of the Appalachian community, we prioritize culturally grounded, sustainable strategies that reduce health disparities, strengthen the public health workforce, and promote inclusive systems of care. Through mentorship, skill-building, and research, we empower individuals to lead transformative change and ensure that every person in our region has the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

What do we do?

• Launched a workforce development online micro-learining platform for students to gain knowledge around Maternal, Child, and Family Health in rural Appalachia

• Burke County Community Health Assessment Focus Group Development, Planning, and Implementation

• Mitchell and Yancey County Coalition on Moms and Babies to strengthen and support families in Appalachia who experience Maternal Deserts. 

• Recruit, train, and deploy community volunteers in disasters like Hurricane Helene (APP MRC)

• Develop early career pathways for public health professionals to engage with and support Appalachian communities around health (PHA)

• And more!