In a commentary published in VTDigger on November 20, 2025, for National Rural Health Day, Jan K. Carney, M.D., M.P.H., associate dean for public health and health policy and professor of medicine at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, explains how community engagement and partnerships contribute positively to health outcomes and provide proven strategies for Vermont’s rural communities. The following is excerpted from Dr. Carney's commentary.
“Health is heavily influenced by ZIP code due to differences in economic opportunities, affordable housing, food security, transportation, and access to health care services.” — Jan K. Carney, M.D., M.P.H.
Community engagement and partnerships contribute positively to health outcomes and provide proven strategies for our rural communities. Research from the Northern New England Clinical and Translational Research Network shows a high level of trust with our community partners in advancing research that connects community needs and our academic medical centers. Lessons learned from community-academic partnerships in medical education suggest that community benefit is essential for long-term community engagement and further strengthening our collaborative goals.
For health, place matters. Our rural strengths, community-academic research, innovations, and health communication are all needed, expanding our network of trusted voices. These represent unique opportunities to further strengthen our collective health and become partners in our own health and health care, at every age and in every Vermont community.