This community-based study, funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, will explore how the way in which communities coordinate themselves to make decisions about the provision and production of diabetes prevention services can impact the delivery of such services and subsequently population health outcomes. The work is theoretically grounded in political economy, behavioral science and design thinking and builds upon the Diabetes on Track project. The study team includes faculty members from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, Clarkson University, Herkimer County HealthNet, Madison County Rural Health Council, Rural Health Network of South Central New York, and Chenango Health Network.
Ten rural communities (Delhi, Dolgeville, Herkimer, Madison, Norwich, Oneida, Sherburne, Sidney, Stamford, Walton) are involved as study sites. The first two years will be spent gathering data on the community wellness environment—that is, what is available in terms of healthy food, physical activity opportunities, and diabetes screening services. The research team will also be talking to organizations, health care clinics, and businesses at the town and county level to understand how decisions are made to provide these services.
If you live in one of these communities and receive a post card from the Rural IMPACT Project with a survey link, please consider completing it. Similarly, if you receive a call or email asking for your participation in an interview or focus group, we hope you consider participating. At the end of this first phase (Spring 2027), each community will receive a summary report to help guide future wellness efforts.
If you have any questions about this study, please contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Kristin Pullyblank, at kristin.pullyblank@bassett.org or 607-547-6711.
