The poor get poorer: COVID, Opioids, and the Digital Divide in Rural Appalachia

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Abstract

This roundtable conversation will consider the impact of the intersection of established risk/resilience factors and the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic in rural areas in the Appalachian region. Panelists will present a developmental systems model for exploring the co-active impacts of existing factors and the COVID 19 factors in impacting family life and educational experiences. Factors to be discussed include substance use disorder/opioid epidemic, extended family network and community supports, intergenerational poverty, intergenerational and historical trauma, low density of qualified professionals, unemployment, challenges to educational attainment, and the dual edge sword of low social/physical mobility. Data and observations from three Appalachian rural communities will be considered as examples in applying these models to real communities. Challenges for the academic, healthcare, and social service sectors will be considered. Panelists will include Lesley Cottrell, Director for the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilties at West Virgina University; Conrae Lucas Adkins, Marshall University School Psychology; Melissa Atkins, Marshall University Psychology, Tom Linz, Marshall University Psychology, and Jennifer Tiano, Marshall University Psychology. Marianna Linz, Marshall University Psychology, will serve as moderator.

Sub Unit

• Solicited Content: COVID-19 Related

Moderator

• Marianna Footo Linz, Marshall University

Panelists

• Lesley Epperly-Cottrell, West Virginia University

• Conrae Lucas Adkins, Marshall University

• Melissa S Atkins, Marshall University

• Thomas Linz, Marshall university