| 2009 United Health Foundation Rankings |
| State | Lung ca* | Cancer Deaths | Smoking | Obesity | Diabetes | CV deaths | Overall ranking |
| KY | 50 | 50 | 48 | 44 | 41 | 43 | 41 |
| WV | 49 | 48 | 50 | 48 | 50 | 47 | 42 |
| TN | 48 | 46 | 45 | 47 | 46 | 45 | 44 |
| OH | 35 | 42 | 34 | 40 | 43 | 38 | 33 |
*CDC Data
The Center for Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Kentucky is partnering with other Kentucky and regional institutions, local, state and national organizations, community groups, and interested community members to establish the Appalachian Translational Research Network (ATRN) dedicated to enhancing research collaborations and seeking new avenues to address the significant health challenges and health disparities in Appalachia. This area continues to rank among the highest nationally for incidence of disease in multiple categories and also the highest in terms of economic distress, low educational achievement, and poor quality of life.
The Appalachian Health Summit, scheduled for April 21, 2011 in Lexington, KY, will formally initiate this Network. Co-sponsors of the Summit and partners in the ATRN include the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science, the University of Cincinnati Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training, Marshall University, Morehead State University, and Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine, along with the Appalachia Community Cancer Network and the UK Centers for Rural Health. The focus will be on select areas with the potential for broad collaborations among participants and for impacting health disparities both in the near and far term.
For further information about the Appalachian Health Summit, including online registration, please visit the CCTS Conferences page under "Events."