by David Descutner, Ph.D. Outside of five years from 1974 to 1979, when I was in graduate school at the University of Illinois, I’ve spent my life in Appalachia. My roots in Appalachia go all the way back to my birth in Crucible, Pennsylvania, a tiny town nestled in the southwest part of the state right on the Monongahela River. It was named for the Crucible Steel Company that owned the local mine. I was the baby among five children and the beneficiary of unconditional love f

by Mary Kay Irwin, EdD Across rural America, thousands of children and adolescents grow up without access to a primary care physician and therefore do not have what’s known as a “medical home.” This absence isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier with lifelong consequences.   Stark Disparities in Rural Health Several statistics reveal the depth of the challenge: Approximately 60 million Americans live in rural areas, yet these regions are served by fewer than 10% of the n

by Sara White Growing up in Appalachia, you learn early that people take care of one another. When a neighbor is struggling, someone shows up with a meal. When a family needs help, word travels quietly but quickly. Support doesn’t always come from a formal system — it comes from relationships, trust, and a shared understanding of what it means to live and work in this region. That sense of community is one of the reasons I am proud to do this work with the Appalachian Childre

In communities across Appalachian Ohio, young people are leading meaningful change. Learn how the Appalachian Youth-Led Prevention Council is breaking down barriers, amplifying youth voices, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Margaret Demko, ACC's Grants Manager, shares her 21-year fight to find basic healthcare for her daughter with Down syndrome, and the hope she now sees for families in Appalachian Ohio

Saturday’s Healthy Meals for Healthy Minds event reminded me that a food box is never just a box. For many families tucked deep in the Appalachian hills, it is hope, dignity, and a moment of light on a difficult horizon. I was grateful to deliver one to a family I’ve known for years, and even more grateful for the work that made it possible.

Think back to someone who made a lasting impact on your life — a teacher, coach, or mentor who saw your potential and helped you grow. At the Appalachian Children Coalition, we believe everyone deserves that same kind of support. Through our coaching programs, we help students and professionals in behavioral health find purpose, connection, and encouragement to thrive. Because everyone needs a coach.