The University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center focuses on investigating persistent inequities in health status within rural populations in the United States with an emphasis on inequities stemming from socioeconomic status, access to healthcare services, and other macro level factors. Faculty currently affiliated with the Center come from multiple departments within the Arnold School of Public Health and units across campus.
We strive to make our research findings useful to organizations and individuals working to improve the health status and quality of life for rural communities. We always welcome questions and ideas about rural health research priorities, policy and administration. If you are a student or faculty member interested in collaborating with the Center, please reach out to us!
History
For its first 18 years, the University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center played a key leadership role in health disparities–related research initiatives within the school under the direction of Dr. Janice C. Probst. As of September 2024, leadership of the University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center transitioned to Dr. Elizabeth Crouch and Dr. Peiyin Hung, both from the Department of Health Services Policy and Management, who now serve as Co-Directors.
Mission
The mission of the University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center is to illuminate and address the health and social inequities experienced by rural populations promoting the health of all through policy-relevant research and advocacy .
Funding
The Rural Health Research Center is funded by federal, state, and local grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U1C45498 provides for the Rural Health Research Center Cooperative Agreement. For more information about FORHP and its programs visit Rural Health and Research Policy Programs .
The content of this website is that of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Contact Us
220 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 204 Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: 803-251-6317
Elizabeth Crouch, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Health Services Policy and Management
Co-Director, University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
crouchel@mailbox.sc.edu | 803-576-6055
Peiyin Hung, Ph.D., MSPH
Associate Professor, Health Services Policy and Management
Co-Director, University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
hungp@mailbox.sc.edu | 803-777-9867