KFTC members from eastern Kentucky contributed towards building a region-wide research agenda at the "Appalachian Community & Ecosystems Health Summit" last week.

Approximately 100 researchers, scientists and community members, mostly from the Central Appalachian region, gathered at the summit sponsored by the Eastern Kentucky University Environmental Research Institute and Wheeling Jesuit University. 

Participants collaboratively created research and data priorities in several topic areas, including community health impacts of fossil fuel extraction, water, the true cost of coal and creating economies that sustain communities. The negative impacts that coal mining is having on the region's community health and the environment and the resulting lack of economic diversification was a constant focus of group discussion.

During the summit, West Virginia University's Dr. Michael Hendryx said that his studies show that all of the combined problems found in coal mining areas including poverty, pollution, unemployment, stress, etc. result in about 11,000 extra deaths a year.

Relying on the extensive academic and scientific knowledge in the room, the group also began compiling a list of studies already in existence on community and ecosystems health in Central Appalachia.

KFTC participants will continue developing this regional study compilation and identifying research gaps going forward. One member expressed a desire to take this information to Governor Beshear, noting that we don't have to wait until the election to show him the facts about what is happening.

Look for more information about this summit in the upcoming issue of BTS. And, check the blog and BTS in the future to read about existing health studies.