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Health, Communities and Institutions

(Research projects are listed alphabetically by last name of principal or lead investigator under the primary research focus.)



Linking Barriers to Care and Help-Seeking Behaviors of Rural Families of Children and Adolescents in Georgia and Tennessee

Craig Anne Heflinger, Sarah VanHooser and Cheri Hoffman

The purpose of this research was to explore the availability of community-based mental health resources and corresponding perceptions of services and help-seeking behaviors of rural families in Georgia and Tennessee. In order to pursue an understanding of family experiences with the mental health services system, we interviewed 40 rural adult caregivers of children and adolescents with mental health diagnoses using a semi-structured interview instrument. From our data, we were able to better understand patterns of access and the treatment experiences of families seeking mental health services.



Walkability Education and Self-Assessment to Promote Health and Empowerment in an Urban Nashville Neighborhood

John Vick

The project involved the design and implementation of a walkable community education and self-assessment workshop in an urban Nashville neighborhood. The workshop included a presentation at a neighborhood meeting on the relationship between health -- particularly obesity and chronic disease -- and the built environment, and a self-assessment of the neighborhood’s walkability. A report of findings and recommendations was presented to the neighborhood, and the research team continued to work with community members to facilitate neighborhood improvements. This project was conceptualized as part of the Healthy Nashville 2010 initiative and will serve as a pilot for future workshops in other Nashville neighborhoods.
Partners: Healthy Nashville 2010, Metro Nashville Public Health Department, Walk/Bike Nashville, Metro Nashville Planning Department, Nashville Civic Design Center