The RURAL Cohort Study
Why do some people living in rural southern communities face more health-related concerns?
The RURAL (Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal) Cohort Study aims to address critical gaps in our knowledge of heart and lung disorders in rural counties in the southeastern US. With our mobile research vehicle, we will travel to rural counties to research people’s health. We hope that our research findings will promote the health of rural communities.
Nearly 46 million Americans live in rural communities. Some people who live in rural areas may have health concerns. We aim to understand these health concerns through extensive research.
RURAL Cohort Study Institutions
RURAL Cohort Study News
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has awarded a $43.99 million contract to fund the second phase of the RURAL Cohort Study. The RURAL Exam 2 is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and will re-engage approximately 4,000 participants across Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi. By revisiting the original cohort, this follow-up will provide high-tech clinical insights into how health risks and community resilience evolve over time, directly informing future medical treatments and prevention strategies for rural populations.