Close to Home: Rural Health Research in Iowa
Published on October 27, 2025
Iowa is a predominantly rural state, and health issues that affect rural communities have been a longstanding priority for the University of Iowa College of Public Health. As the home to centers and programs such as the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI), Prevention Research Center for Rural Health, Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, and Heartland Center for Occupational Health and Safety, the college has become a national hub for cutting-edge rural health research, training, policy analysis, and community engagement.
This work took center stage during the inaugural Rural Health Summit held at the College of Public Health in February 2025. Designed to showcase the wide variety of rural health topics the college addresses, the summit brought together faculty, students, post-docs, and staff. The summit included a poster session, table displays, and short “lightning talks” that provided an overview of research and projects. The event was anchored by keynote speaker Alana Knudson, a leading national voice in rural health research and capacity development.
The following stories highlight a sample of the innovative projects directed or co-led by researchers in the College of Public Health that continue the long tradition of excellence in rural health.
