Current and Emerging Rural Health Issues in the Southeast United States

This book provides an insightful examination of various health challenges affecting rural communities in the Southeast United States (e.g., Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee). These areas are contending with a shortage of healthcare providers, inadequate infrastructure, an aging population, and limited economic and political resources, which contribute to significant and often overlooked health needs. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses economics, geography, history, policy, and sociology, the book addresses critical topics such as diabetes, a leading cause of mortality both in the United States and worldwide. Over the past two decades, the Southeastern U.S. has experienced a public health concern related to diabetes, disproportionately affecting minority populations. The region's diabetes prevalence is particularly high in rural areas. The book also discusses rising obesity rates, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. The severity of these health conditions is closely linked to a range of economic, social, and geographical factors. Additionally, the book features an insightful chapter on emerging health issues and the effects of natural disasters. It explores the critical challenges faced by rural communities in the aftermath of events such as floods, hurricanes, severe storms, and tornadoes, supported by relevant case studies. The concluding chapter addresses the increasing prevalence of extreme heat events in the region over recent years and offers resources for additional exploration of the topic.

Andy Sharma is a dedicated researcher focusing on population health, aging, and community well-being. With nearly two decades of experience, he has established a strong reputation for producing rigorous, policy-relevant research that addresses pressing health challenges affecting older adults in the United States. Currently, his current research investigates the impact of adverse heat events on older adults in the Midwest, an increasingly urgent issue in the context of global environmental change. This work aligns with his leadership in organizing and chairing a panel at the Population Association of America (PAA) annual meeting, demonstrating both his expertise and professional recognition.

Andy is also at the forefront of innovation in public health research, exploring a project that leverages large language models and artificial intelligence to conduct community assessments and identify local health needs. This blend of technology and applied demography reflects his commitment to advancing the field through interdisciplinary approaches. His previous research spans a wide range of topics, including migration patterns of older adults to Florida and implications for community health planning, disparities in diabetes testing among older adults in Mississippi, mortality estimates for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, and spatial analysis of food insecurity and diabetes prevalence in the Southeastern U.S.

Andy’s work has been published in various respected, peer-reviewed journals such as Ageing and Society, Annals of GIS, Applied Geography, Disability and Rehabilitation, The Gerontologist, Journal of Aging and Health, Journal of Family and Economic Issues, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Journal of Maps, Planning Theory and Practice, Population Research and Policy Review, and Women’s Health Issues. His scholarly contributions also include co-authorship of A Brave New World of Healthcare Revisited (2013), written with former Colorado governor Richard D. Lamm, emphasizing his ability to translate research into actionable policy insights. He has presented his findings at major academic conferences, including the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA), Southern Demographic Association (SDA), and Southern Political Science Association (SPSA), further validating his standing in the research community.

Andy’s academic training includes a PhD in Public Policy with a minor in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a funded pre-doctoral trainee at the Carolina Population Center. He also earned an MS in Mathematics from Loyola University Chicago and an MA in Economics from DePaul University, credentials that reflect a strong foundation in both quantitative analysis and policy evaluation. Through his research, publications, and public engagement, Andy Sharma has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving population health outcomes with work that combines academic rigor with practical relevance.