Assessing how climate change affects health in rural communities
Official title: Integrating Climate Impacts into a Community Health Assessment for Rural Communities
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-10989357 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how climate change affects health in rural Southern Appalachia and works with local communities to find ways to protect their health from these environmental changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $204,248 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES035968-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989357 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are residents of rural communities in Southern Appalachia who are affected by climate-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in urban areas or those not impacted by climate change may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of climate change on health in rural areas, particularly in Southern Appalachia. It aims to integrate climate data into community health assessments to better understand and address health risks exacerbated by environmental changes. By collaborating with local health departments, healthcare systems, and community members, the project seeks to enhance the resilience of these communities against climate-related health threats. The approach includes analyzing climate sensitivities related to priority health concerns and fostering partnerships to improve public health responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for rural communities by better addressing the health impacts of climate change.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in integrating environmental factors into health assessments, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Runkle, Jennifer D. — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Runkle, Jennifer D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Brewing anti-toxin drugs using probiotic yeast
A studying team will develop probiotic yeast–based anti-toxin drugs to help treat gut bacterial infections and reduce antibiotic-related complications.
-
Small Ruminant Therapeutic Center to Speed Safe Drugs for Sheep and Goats
A pilot project at a university will help scientists and veterinarians speed up and improve how drugs are tested and approved for sheep and goats.
-
Metabolic effects of PFAS exposure in the Cape Fear Basin (GenX Exposure Study)
This NIH grant studies how PFAS chemicals in drinking water may affect metabolism and weight-related health in adults and children living along the Cape Fear River.
-
Understanding how Fe/2OG enzymes make pharmacophores like cyclopropane, aziridine, and isonitrile groups
A research project at a university aims to uncover how nonheme-iron enzymes create key drug-building rings and groups to help develop better biocatalysts and medicines.
-
Hemostatic B-knob Microgels for Pediatric Bleeding
A kid-friendly hemostatic therapy using age-tuned microgels to stop dangerous bleeding after injury in children.
-
How cyanotoxins may harm nerve cells in ALS
This grant studies how shared toxins from cyanobacteria might worsen nerve damage in people with ALS.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.