Abstract
Background: Rural communities face persistent health disparities due to systemic barriers including geographic isolation, workforce shortages, and social determinants of health. Traditional single-intervention approaches have yielded limited success. This study examines the effectiveness of a systems-oriented, multi-level intervention framework designed to address health disparities in rural settings.Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed across three rural counties in the Midwestern United States from 2021 to 2023. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-intervention surveys (n=1,247) measuring access to care, chronic disease management, and mental health outcomes. Qualitative data included semi-structured interviews (n=48) with community stakeholders and healthcare providers. The intervention integrated telehealth expansion, community health worker programs, and policy advocacy.Results: Significant improvements were observed in healthcare access (42% increase in telehealth utilization, pConclusions: A systems approach can effectively reduce rural health disparities, but equity-focused adaptations are needed for marginalized populations. Policy recommendations include sustainable financing for telehealth infrastructure and community health worker integration.