Dr. Casey P. Balio, Assistant Research Professor for East Tennessee State University’s Center for Rural Health Research in the College of Public Health, has been named a 2024 Rural Health Fellow for the National Rural Health Association.
NRHA announced its incoming class of Rural Health Fellows on October 27, 2023. 17 fellows were selected to participate. The yearlong intensive program aims to develop leaders who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America.
"We are delighted that Dr. Casey Balio will be participating in this year's class of NRHA Rural Health Policy Fellows,” said Michael Meit, director of ETSU Center for Rural Health Research. “She is a talented rural health researcher and will bring a strong and grounded research perspective to NRHA. We are fortunate to have her as part of our ETSU research team."
“I’m excited for this opportunity to be engaged with policymakers and experts across the country who are passionate about rural communities,” said Balio.
Balio, who joined CRHR in 2021, has authored studies on block grant funding, public health workforce needs, and health inequities.
NRHA Rural Health Fellows have the opportunity to visit Washington, DC to advocate for rural health needs with lawmakers. The fellows will also present a policy paper project to NRHA’s Rural Health Congress.
The new class of Rural Health Fellows will first meet at NRHA’s 35th Rural Health Policy Institute in February 2024.