Using COVID-19 data to create advanced tools for public health in rural areas
Official title: Leveraging COVID-19 Insights to Develop Novel Behavior-Informed Multi-Task Machine Learning Frameworks for Targeted Public Health Interventions in Rural America
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11193534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to use information from the COVID-19 pandemic to better support rural communities in West Virginia by predicting their healthcare needs, so they can get the right help during health emergencies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $190,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD020187-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include residents of rural areas, particularly in West Virginia, who may benefit from improved public health strategies related to COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in urban areas or those not affected by the unique challenges of rural healthcare may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop innovative machine learning frameworks that utilize data from the COVID-19 pandemic to improve public health interventions in rural America. By analyzing testing, vaccination, and hospitalization data from West Virginia, the project seeks to understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities, including health disparities and social determinants of health. The study will leverage existing data from community-based testing projects to create predictive models that can forecast the need for healthcare resources in these areas. This approach will help target public health efforts more effectively and ensure that rural populations receive the support they need during health crises.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective public health interventions tailored to the specific needs of rural communities during health emergencies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using data-driven approaches to improve public health responses, making this a promising extension of those efforts.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Price, Bradley — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Price, Bradley
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Structural factors linking minimum wage, COVID-19, and community violence
A long-term study will explore whether higher minimum wages and pandemic-related economic factors are connected to changes in violence in US communities.
-
COVID-19 healthcare disruptions and heart health inequities in NYC adults with multiple conditions
This project looks at how COVID-19-related gaps in care affected heart health in adults with several chronic conditions in New York City.
-
Modifying body fat to aid COVID-19 recovery through behavioral strategies
A study in veterans explores whether changing weight through lifestyle habits can improve recovery after COVID-19–related health problems.
-
Post-COVID Neuro-Cognitive Changes in Older African Americans
A study explores how COVID-19 affects thinking, memory, and daily life in older African American adults and what might be driving these changes.
-
How COVID school closures affected kids with or at risk for developmental differences
This NIH grant follows children aged 4 to 15 and their families to see how pandemic school closures impacted emotional well-being and parenting over three years.
-
Long-term COVID-19 effects in older Veterans and a rehabilitation approach
This project looks at how COVID-19 affects blood vessel health in older Veterans and tests a rehab strategy together with a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant to help recovery.
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.