A Message from the Director

The adage that one’s zip code is a stronger predictor of health outcomes than genetic code is more than just a saying—it’s backed by empirical evidence. At the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities at Mercer University School of Medicine, we recognize both the unique challenges and inherent strengths of rural communities in Georgia.

Rural areas often benefit from strong family and community ties, robust social capital, and a remarkable capacity to adapt to adversity. However, they also face many “health penalties” with lower access to health services, and poorer outcomes for certain health indicators. This tension between health resilience and health challenges lies at the heart of our mission.

Our Center is dedicated to advancing health equity and improving the well-being of rural and underserved populations. We achieve this through meaningful community engagement and impactful population health research.

We believe that all people in rural communities—in Georgia and across the country—should have the opportunity to thrive. Realizing this vision requires insights and contributions from community members, interdisciplinary medical and public health practitioners, as well as program and policy leaders across the state.

Through partnerships with medical educators at the School of Medicine, health care innovators at the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center, and our valued community partners, we are working to ensure that one’s zip code does not negatively determine the health and wellbeing of rural Georgians.

Join us in our mission to illuminate actionable opportunities and create a healthier, more equitable future for rural Georgia.

Michael Kramer, PhD
Director, Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities
Mercer University School of Medicine