Appalachian Learning Initiative

@appli.org

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The Appalachian Learning Initiative (APPLI, like “apply”) is a Morgantown, WV-based 501(c)(3) non-profit that conducts research on, reports data about, and advocates for issues impacting adults living in the Appalachian Region. https://linktr.ee/APPLIOrg

n infographic titled "Adult Smoking in Georgia" by APPLI states that 16.2% of adults in Appalachian Georgia are current smokers, which is nearly 1 out of every 6 adults. A map highlights Appalachian Georgia counties colored by adult smoking prevalence ranging from 10.3% to 21.5%. It notes that Banks County has the highest prevalence of adult smoking in the region at 21.5%. Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2024.
Alabama map shows stroke prevalence by county, ranging from 2.8% to 6.3%. Counties with higher prevalence are concentrated in the northeast and southeast. Macon and Hale counties have the highest prevalence at 6.3% and 5.9%, respectively. Overall, 4.6% of adults in Appalachian Alabama have suffered a stroke, which is equivalent to nearly 1 out of every 20 adults.
An infographic titled "Lung Cancer Deaths in Georgia" by APPLI states that Appalachian Georgia has an average annual lung cancer mortality rate of 42.6 per 100k, averaging 1,364 deaths per year from 2018–2022. This rate is higher than the statewide average (34.2) and national average (32.4). A map displays counties shaded by mortality rates from 24.2 to 58.6, highlighting Murray (58.6) and Chattooga (58.4) counties as having the highest rates. Source: National Cancer Institute, 2024.
Alabama map shows high blood pressure prevalence by county, ranging from 36.8% to 49.6%. Hale and Macon counties have the highest prevalence at 49.6% and 48.4%, respectively. Overall, 42.5% of adults in Appalachian Alabama have high blood pressure. Counties with high prevalence are concentrated in the northeast and southeast.
An infographic titled "Lung Cancer Rates in Georgia" by APPLI shows that Appalachian Georgia has an average annual lung cancer diagnosis rate of 70.3 per 100k, with an average of 2,287 diagnoses per year from 2017–2021. This is higher than the statewide rate (56.8) and the national rate (53.1). A map displays counties shaded by rates from 42.1 to 89.3, noting that Chattooga (89.3) and Heard (88.3) counties have the highest rates. Source: National Cancer Institute, 2024.
Map of Alabama showing arthritis prevalence by county (28.1%-43.6%). Cherokee & Coosa counties have the highest prevalence (43.6%, 42.2%). 36.1% of Appalachian Alabama adults have arthritis. This means that more than two out of every three adults in Alabama's Appalachian counties are living with arthritis. Counties with high prevalence are concentrated in the northeastern part of the state, with Cherokee and Coosa counties having the highest prevalence.
Map of Alabama showing the prevalence of asthma in different counties in 2024. The map is color-coded to represent the percentage of adults with asthma in each county, ranging from 9.5% to 12.1%. Macon and Hale counties are highlighted as having the highest prevalence of asthma in Appalachian Alabama at 12.1% and 11.5%, respectively. The overall prevalence of asthma in Appalachian Alabama is 10.6%, meaning more than 1 out of every 10 adults living in these counties has been diagnosed with asthma
Infographic titled "Colorectal Cancer Rates in Georgia" by APPLI. A map highlights Appalachian Georgia counties, colored by diagnosis rates ranging from 24.9 to 65.8 per 100k. Text states that from 2017–2021, these counties averaged 1,447 annual diagnoses at a rate of 42.5 per 100k—higher than Georgia's statewide rate (39.4) and the US rate (36.4). Stephens (65.8) and Heard (59.1) counties have the highest incidence rates. Source: National Cancer Institute, 2024.
Map showing adult obesity rates in Alabama's Appalachian counties, highlighting Macon at 46% and Chambers at 45.6%.
90% of adults in Hale County, Alabama struggle with basic math, with 26.4% relying on SNAP and 23.9% living in extreme poverty.
85.2% of adults in Heard County, Georgia, struggle with basic math skills according to Appalachian Learning Initiative.
84.2% of adults in Macon County, Alabama struggle with basic math, with 22.1% living in extreme poverty and relying on SNAP benefits.
82.7% of Chattooga County adults struggle with basic math, with 20.1% living in extreme poverty and 18.5% relying on SNAP benefits.
Map of Appalachian Georgia counties showing percentages of adults struggling with basic math, ranging from 47.5% to 89.5%.
Map of Alabama counties showing percentages of adults struggling with basic math, color-coded from green (52.2%) to red (90%).
Map of Georgia highlighting Appalachian counties with a statistic showing nearly 3 out of 4 adults struggle with basic math skills.
Graphic showing Alabama with 3 of 4 adults in Appalachian counties struggling with basic math, highlighted by two orange figures.
A simple donation request graphic from APPLI on a dark gray background. The text asks for support for research, reporting, and advocacy in Appalachia, listing the donation link: https://www.appli.org/donate. The bottom features stylized horizontal bars in warm, sunset colors (red, orange, yellow).
78.8% of adults in Elbert County, Georgia, read at or below an 8th-grade level, with 28.6% living below 150% of the federal poverty level.
76.5% of adults in Murray County, Georgia read at or below an 8th-grade level, with 21.7% living under 150% of the federal poverty line.
75% of Chattooga County adults read at or below an 8th grade level, with 25% not graduating high school and 35% earning below 150% of the poverty level.
75% of adults in Coosa County, Alabama, read at or below an 8th-grade level, with 25.3% living under 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
A promotional image with a dramatic forest silhouette against an orange-yellow sunset. The Appalachian Learning Initiative (APPLI) asks: "Do you provide adult education services in Appalachia? Take our Appalachian Adult Education Provider Survey!" The image provides the survey link: https://cutt.ly/APPLI-Adult-Ed-Survey, a QR code, and APPLI's social media handles.
Map showing percentage of Appalachian adults in northern Georgia reading at or below 8th grade, with counties color-coded from green to red.
Map of Alabama counties color-coded to show percentages of adults reading at or below 8th grade level, ranging from 42.4% to 80.5%.
Map of Georgia highlights that over 3 in 5 adults in Appalachian counties read at or below an 8th grade level.
A stylized illustration of layered Appalachian mountains fading into the distance, rendered in shades of blue with a pale yellow-cream sky. The text promotes reading, stating: "This winter, let a book spark in you a fire," from the Appalachian Learning Initiative (APPLI).
A simple donation request graphic from APPLI on a cream background. The text asks for support for research, reporting, and advocacy in Appalachia, listing the donation link: https://www.appli.org/donate. The bottom features stylized horizontal bars in rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple).
Infographic showing housing costs in Alabama's Appalachian counties compared to the national average. 56% of households spend more than $200 per month on electricity, compared to 33.3% nationally. 25.4% of residents rent their homes, compared to 35.2% nationally. 9% of residents spend more than 50% of their annual income on housing, compared to 13.9% nationally. Data from the American Community Survey (2024) and Greenlink Analytics (2025).
Infographic showing housing costs in Alabama's Appalachian counties compared to the national average. 56% of households spend more than $200 per month on electricity, compared to 33.3% nationally. 25.4% of residents rent their homes, compared to 35.2% nationally. 9% of residents spend more than 50% of their annual income on housing, compared to 13.9% nationally. Data from the American Community Survey (2024) and Greenlink Analytics (2025).
A square social media graphic with a blurred close-up photo of a red, blotchy skin rash as the background. Bold white text in the center reads: "When Measles Came Back to Appalachia." The Appalachian Learning Initiative (APPLI) bridge logo is centered at the bottom.
Promotional image for the Appalachian Learning Initiative (APPLI) Advocacy Toolkit. The graphic shows four large, translucent, color-tinted silhouettes of people with their hands raised against a sunset or sunrise over a mountain and forest landscape. The text reads: "Raise your voice and demand to BE HEARD" and "Appalachian Advocacy Toolkit." The short link is cutt.ly/APPLI-Advocacy.
This infographic shows healthcare coverage disparities in Alabama's Appalachian counties. More residents are enrolled in Medicaid (14.5%) and Medicare (7.5%) compared to national averages (15% and 6.1%, respectively). However, uninsurance is higher at 9.4% compared to the national rate of 8.6%. Data from the American Community Survey, 2024.
This infographic shows healthcare coverage disparities in Alabama's Appalachian counties. More residents are enrolled in Medicaid (14.5%) and Medicare (7.5%) compared to national averages (15% and 6.1%, respectively). However, uninsurance is higher at 9.4% compared to the national rate of 8.6%. Data from the American Community Survey, 2024.
A newsletter subscription graphic with a 1970s retro design featuring three thick, curved horizontal stripes in orange and yellow against a teal background. The text invites users to "Sign up for the monthly newsletter today!" The subscription link is provided: https://cutt.ly/APPLI-Newsletter.
Infographic showing food insecurity rates in Alabama's Appalachian counties compared to the national average. 22.1% of children in these counties risk going hungry due to food insecurity, compared to 18.5% nationally. 17.5% of all residents lack reliable access to affordable, nutritious food, compared to 13.5% nationally. 14.7% of residents rely on SNAP to afford food, compared to 11.8% nationally. Data from Feeding America, 2024.
Infographic showing food insecurity rates in Alabama's Appalachian counties compared to the national average. 22.1% of children in these counties risk going hungry due to food insecurity, compared to 18.5% nationally. 17.5% of all residents lack reliable access to affordable, nutritious food, compared to 13.5% nationally. 14.7% of residents rely on SNAP to afford food, compared to 11.8% nationally. Data from Feeding America, 2024.
An infographic titled "Poverty in Alabama" presents data on poverty rates in Alabama's Appalachian counties. It shows that 26.5% of households earn less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, compared to the national rate of 20.2%. 22.1% of children live in poverty, compared to the national rate of 16.3%. 15.2% of residents receive public assistance income, compared to the national rate of 12.8%. The infographic includes icons representing households, children, and a government building.
An infographic titled "Poverty in Alabama" presents data on poverty rates in Alabama's Appalachian counties. It shows that 26.5% of households earn less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, compared to the national rate of 20.2%. 22.1% of children live in poverty, compared to the national rate of 16.3%. 15.2% of residents receive public assistance income, compared to the national rate of 12.8%. The infographic includes icons representing households, children, and a government building.
A promotional image with a highly stylized, dark mountain silhouette against a bright yellow-orange background. The Appalachian Learning Initiative (APPLI) asks: "Do you provide adult education services in Appalachia? Take our Appalachian Adult Education Provider Survey!" The image provides the survey link: https://cutt.ly/APPLI-Adult-Ed-Survey, a QR code, and APPLI's social media handles.
A stylized illustration of layered Appalachian mountains fading into the distance in shades of purple and deep violet. The text promotes reading, stating: "This winter, let a book spark in you a fire," from the Appalachian Learning Initiative (APPLI).
Alabama map shows stroke prevalence by county, ranging from 2.8% to 6.3%. Counties with higher prevalence are concentrated in the northeast and southeast. Macon and Hale counties have the highest prevalence at 6.3% and 5.9%, respectively. Overall, 4.6% of adults in Appalachian Alabama have suffered a stroke, which is equivalent to nearly 1 out of every 20 adults.
Alabama map shows stroke prevalence by county, ranging from 2.8% to 6.3%. Counties with higher prevalence are concentrated in the northeast and southeast. Macon and Hale counties have the highest prevalence at 6.3% and 5.9%, respectively. Overall, 4.6% of adults in Appalachian Alabama have suffered a stroke, which is equivalent to nearly 1 out of every 20 adults.
Alabama map shows stroke prevalence by county, ranging from 2.8% to 6.3%. Counties with higher prevalence are concentrated in the northeast and southeast. Macon and Hale counties have the highest prevalence at 6.3% and 5.9%, respectively. Overall, 4.6% of adults in Appalachian Alabama have suffered a stroke, which is equivalent to nearly 1 out of every 20 adults.
A simple donation request graphic from APPLI on an olive green background. The text asks for support for research, reporting, and advocacy in Appalachia, listing the donation link: https://www.appli.org/donate. The bottom features stylized horizontal bars in blue, green, and yellow.
Alabama map shows high blood pressure prevalence by county, ranging from 36.8% to 49.6%. Hale and Macon counties have the highest prevalence at 49.6% and 48.4%, respectively. Overall, 42.5% of adults in Appalachian Alabama have high blood pressure. Counties with high prevalence are concentrated in the northeast and southeast.
Alabama map shows high blood pressure prevalence by county, ranging from 36.8% to 49.6%. Hale and Macon counties have the highest prevalence at 49.6% and 48.4%, respectively. Overall, 42.5% of adults in Appalachian Alabama have high blood pressure. Counties with high prevalence are concentrated in the northeast and southeast.
Alabama map shows high blood pressure prevalence by county, ranging from 36.8% to 49.6%. Hale and Macon counties have the highest prevalence at 49.6% and 48.4%, respectively. Overall, 42.5% of adults in Appalachian Alabama have high blood pressure. Counties with high prevalence are concentrated in the northeast and southeast.
Promotional image for the Appalachian Learning Initiative (APPLI) Advocacy Toolkit. The graphic shows four large, translucent, color-tinted silhouettes of people with their hands raised against a sunset or sunrise over a mountain and forest landscape. The text reads: "Raise your voice and demand to BE HEARD" and "Appalachian Advocacy Toolkit." The short link is cutt.ly/APPLI-Advocacy.
Map of Alabama showing arthritis prevalence by county (28.1%-43.6%). Cherokee & Coosa counties have the highest prevalence (43.6%, 42.2%). 36.1% of Appalachian Alabama adults have arthritis. This means that more than two out of every three adults in Alabama's Appalachian counties are living with arthritis. Counties with high prevalence are concentrated in the northeastern part of the state, with Cherokee and Coosa counties having the highest prevalence.