This paper describes the development of two academic-community partnerships that took root in Appalachian communities, one urban and one rural. A CBPR approach was used to develop the partnerships. Although the initial focus for each community was to address obesity and diabetes risk, adherence to the CBPR approach led to different community identified prioritized needs and different pilot projects, and resulted in strong partnerships, each with improved capacity to address Appalachian health disparities in their communities.

Smith, L. H., Valenzuela, J., & Ludke, R. L. (2012). Engaging rural and urban appalachians in research using a community-based participatory research approach. PRISM: A Journal of Regional Engagement, 1(1), 3-17. Full Text.