SERA-19 Rural Health


Overview of SERA-19

SERA-19 Rural Health is a multi-state information exchange group comprised of professionals that are concerned about the health and well-being of communities across the Southern region. The representatives, including professionals in the land-grant system, offices of rural health, medical and nursing schools, and state health departments, promote collaboration among the disciplines involved. Click here to view full overview.

Mission

Health and health care is the leading challenge facing communities across the Southern United States. Increasing chronic disease coupled with mounting fiscal pressure threatens communities' access to care, the economic viability of the health care system, and the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. In the mid-1980s, a group of individuals from multiple disciplines and states came together to exchange ideas and experiences in response to the growing complexity of health care infrastructure, access and policy issues, and the resulting economic impact. In 1990, this group formally organized as the Southern Extension and Research Activity Information Exchange Group (SERA-IEG) 19, focusing on rural health. This network of research, Extension and health professionals is building collaborative partnerships to improve community health and well-being and welcomes new members.

2008 SERA-19 Conference
Research Trends:  Determining the Future of Health Programming
Houston Marriott Medical Center, Houston, TX
August 4-6, 2008

SERA-IEG 19 Health members and partners are invited to submit proposals related to the conference theme, Research Trends:  Determining the Future of Health Programming.  This theme has been chosen to reflect this year’s focus on the cutting edge research influencing all aspects of health programming in rural areas.  However, this broad topic includes such categories as intervention strategies for specific diseases; extension programming work with immigrant populations; and the economic analysis of health care delivery in rural areas (this area could include such topics as the importance of information technology; management and organization of health care entities; impacts of governmental policy actions; etc.). This year's meeting will be held at the Houston Marriott Medical Center August 4-6, 2008

Minutes


2008 SERA-19 Conference Presentations

• Eliminating Lead Poisoning in Underserved Rural Communities in the United States
  -By, Susan Aceti
  
• Smart Aging; Healthy Futures
  -By, Bonnie Carew, Ann Sansing and Alan Barefield
  
• Community Action Against Cardiovascular Disease: Implementing a Leadership Program Targeting Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in Mississippi
  -By, Rachael Carter and Alan Barefield
  
• Spatial Model Specification for Contractual Arrangements between Rural Hospitals and Physicians
  -By, J. Matthew Fannin and James N. Barnes
  
• Economic Impact Studies for Public Sector Application
  -By, Robert F. Hodgin and Roberto Marchesini
  
• The Influence of Race, Ethnicity and Culture on Obesity Prevention for Children
  -By, Teresia O’Connor
  
• Conversations With A Purpose: Model for Roundtable Discussions
  -By, Ann Sansing
  
• Promoting Children’s Health: Issues, Impacts and Interventions
  -By, Marilyn A. Swanson
  
• Head Start Obesity Project (sponsored by Alabama Agricultural Land-Grant Alliance):
  Preliminary Data Review
  -By, Kathleen S. Tajeu, Eunice Bonsi, Elicia Moss, and Ako Drew
  
• Healthier Housing in Rural Areas: Essentials Healthy Housing Practitioners Course
  -By, Sandy Wiggins
  
• An Update on Activities of the National Center for Rural Health Works
  -By, Gerald A. Doeksen

Links

>> 2008-2013 SERA-IEG 19 Renewal Proposal
>> Membership
>> Benefits of Membership
>> History
>> Past Meetings
>> Proposal
>> Subcommittees