About ADVANCE

The Institute to Advance Health Equity (ADVANCE) fosters social sciences and health services research to reduce health disparities based on a wide range of social factors and supports collaboration across Ohio University and with our external partners.

The institute supports Ohio University faculty, staff, students and trainees from multiple colleges, schools, departments and disciplines. Through collaborative meetings and events, partnerships, and by offering data and other forms of support, we can foster team science and facilitate clinical and community research partnerships.

History

ADVANCE was formerly called the Appalachian Rural Health Institute (ARHI). ARHI was created in 2003 as an evolution of the Center for Appalachian and Rural Health Research (CARHR), which was originally established in 1999 by the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

CARHR's mission was to improve the health status of populations living in rural America, especially those in the Appalachian region and to serve as an umbrella for interdisciplinary studies to examine epidemiological, health care delivery, education and policy issues. CARHR was tasked with the goal of providing a better way for Ohio University faculty from different colleges and departments to connect and engage in rural health research.

CARHR was scheduled for its first five-year review in 2003-2004. In 2004, the Board of Trustees at Ohio University approved its name change and CARHR became ARHI, Appalachian Rural Health Institute (ARHI).