Traditional Research Grant Program
Telehealth in Rural Pennsylvania
Dr. Christine J. Rhoads of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania will examine telehealth services and practices in rural Pennsylvania, and provide policy considerations based on the findings. Dr. Rhoads will document both the type and the technology, as well as impacts, costs, reimbursement practices, outcomes, benefits and barriers related to telehealth practices in rural counties.
Rural Prisoner Reentry Challenges
Dr. Gary Zajac of Pennsylvania State University will examine issues related to the reentry of prisoners to rural areas. The research will explore prison growth and release trends, reentry needs, reentry services provided and service gaps impacting successful reentry efforts, and provide policy implications.
Characteristics of Pennsylvania Students Pursuing Postsecondary Education
Dr. Esther Prins of Pennsylvania State University will analyze recent data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to better understand socio-demographic, educational status, family, and financial characteristics of rural and urban Pennsylvania students beginning and continuing their postsecondary education. Dr. Prins also will examine differences in financial need for beginning and continuing postsecondary students, and factors related to the financial needs of rural and urban students.
Home- and Community-Based Care Alternatives to Nursing Homes in Rural Pennsylvania
Dr. Janet Ann Melnick of Pennsylvania State University Worthington-Scranton will document and analyze home- and community-based services in rural Pennsylvania. The analysis will provide an inventory of current services, estimate the future demand for long-term care services, identify the service gaps between current and long-term care needs, and provide public policy considerations.
Study of Marcellus Shale Development Impacts
Dr. Kathryn Brasier of Pennsylvania State University will lead an interdisciplinary team of researchers to chronicle community change occurring in two southwestern and two north central Pennsylvania counties experiencing rapid unconventional gas development. Additionally, the project will document strategies used by institutions, organizations, and communities to manage economic and social impacts of gas development.
Mini Grant Program
Analysis of Survey of Financial Condition Data
Dr. Patricia A. Patrick of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania will use Survey of Financial Condition data to identify the number, type and characteristics of rural and urban municipalities experiencing financial distress. For this mini-grant, Dr. Patrick will analyze the socio-demographic, financial and economic characteristics associated with financial distress in rural and urban municipalities.