Identifying Opportunities for Healthier Kids, Families, and Community: An Analysis of the Health Needs of a Rural School and its Community

Background: A higher percentage of children in rural areas compared with urban areas face developmental challenges. Recent studies show that 1 in 6 rural children have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. These children are more likely to have parents who experience financial difficulties meeting basic needs such as food and housing. They, compared to their urban peers, also have a parent in poor mental health or live in a resource low neighborhood. Schools often serve as focal point for rural communities. However, based on their increased risk …