Appalachian Learning Initiative
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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
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Appalachian Learning Initiative @appli.org · May 13
#DidYouKnow

Nearly 2 out of 3 adults (65.1%) living in the #AppalachianRegion #Read at or below an 8th grade level, including nearly 1 out of 4 (23.9%) who read below a 3rd grade level.

We're growing our #Appalachian #AdultEducation database, and could use your help.

cutt.ly/APPLI-Adult-...
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The image is a map of various counties within the Appalachian region of the United States, including sections of states such as Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and others up to New York. Counties are color-coded based on the percentage of adult literacy, with a focus on adults reading at or below the 8th-grade level. The color gradient ranges from red (indicating higher percentages of low literacy, up to 88.1%) to green (indicating lower percentages, at 36.5%). A color key on the right side accompanies the map, clarifying the percentage range each color represents. The map background is a simple gray outline of the United States, focusing on the Appalachian region. At the bottom, there is the logo of the Appalachian Learning Initiative along with contact information and social media icons. The data source is marked as the National Center for Education Statistics, 2020. The image features an artistic sunset landscape with a warm color palette of oranges, browns, and yellows. In the foreground, a large conifer tree stands silhouetted against the sky. The background shows rolling hills fading into the distance with the sun setting near the horizon, casting a soft glow. Birds are silhouetted flying in the sky. The scene is overlaid with bold white text promoting a survey related to adult education services in Appalachia. The bottom left corner displays the APPLI logo, and a QR code is adjacent to the survey link. The bottom right corner features "Follow us" followed by social media icons. The image features a multicolored map of the Appalachian region outlined by state borders on a gradient background transitioning from blue on the left to orange on the right. The map highlights specific counties within the region, each shaded in various colors including blue, red, orange, and beige. To the left is large white text stating, "Help Us Build the Appalachian Adult Education Directory." Below the map is a white link in large font: "https://cutt.ly/APPLI-Adult-Ed-Survey." The bottom left displays the logo of the Appalachian Learning Initiative with the website, "www.appli.org." In the bottom right corner, there is text reading, "Follow us @APPLIORG," accompanied by icons for social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, along with a QR code.
appli.org
We're taking a short break.

On Thursday, January 29th, 2026, the family home of APPLI's Founder and Executive Director, Marcus J. Hopkins, was destroyed in a catastrophic fire, displacing his parents and grandmother.

Please consider donating:

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/004f8abf9
Venmo
Zelle
February 4, 2026 at 7:01 PM
appli.org
APPLI's #BookRecommendations are back!

This #Winter, we want to spark the fires of curiosity, learning, & action in our readers.

This season, #APPLIOrg is examining how populations can be controlled and manipulated by both corporations and governments:

www.appli.org/appli-reading-lists

#BookSky
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).
February 2, 2026 at 5:01 PM
appli.org
#APPLIOrg operates entirely off of private #Donations. That makes your support more critical than ever, and any dollar amount helps.

Please consider supporting our continued #Research, #Reporting, & #Advocacy efforts in #Appalachia by making a #TaxDeductible donation:

https://www.appli.org/donate
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).
January 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow?

🏠 More than 1 out of every 4 residents (25.4%) #Rent their homes, and nearly 1 out of every 11 (9%) spends more than 50% of their annual income on rent or #Mortgage payments.

Learn more:

www.appli.org/alabama

Check out our #DataPartner, Greenlink Analytics
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). Map of Alabama highlighting counties where a significant proportion of residents face a severe housing burden, spending 50% or more of their annual income on housing costs. These counties are highlighted in darker shades, indicating a higher percentage of residents affected by this issue. The map visually represents the disparity in housing affordability across the region, with some counties experiencing significantly higher levels of housing cost burden than others.. Data from ACS, 2024.
January 29, 2026 at 7:05 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow?

💡 More than half of households (56%) in #Alabama spend more than $200 per month on electricity costs, compared to the national average of 33.3%.

Learn more on our website:

www.appli.org/alabama

Check out our #DataPartner, Greenlink Analytics, who provides our #Data on #EnergyBurden
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). Map of Alabama highlighting counties where a significant proportion of residents face a severe housing burden, spending 50% or more of their annual income on housing costs. These counties are highlighted in darker shades, indicating a higher percentage of residents affected by this issue. The map visually represents the disparity in housing affordability across the region, with some counties experiencing significantly higher levels of housing cost burden than others.. Data from ACS, 2024.
January 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM
appli.org
Appalachia, deciding that Texas had gotten enough attention, stepped up to seize defeat from the jaws of decades-long victory, with #SouthCarolina seeing 311 cases in 2025, and 481 in JUST the first month of 2026.

Read more:

https://www.appli.org/post/when-measles-came-back-to-appalachia
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.
January 29, 2026 at 6:01 PM
appli.org
APPLI is dedicated to researching and reporting on the disparities impacting the lives #Appalachians and engaging in #Advocacy to develop solutions to address them.

Find your federal legislators using our Appalachian Advocacy Toolkit:

cutt.ly/APPLI-Advocacy
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.
January 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow?

Nearly 1 out of every 13 residents (7.5%) lacks #HealthInsurance, entirely, compared to the national rate of 6.1%.

Learn more on our website:

www.appli.org/alabama
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.
January 28, 2026 at 7:05 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow?

More than 1 out of every 7 residents (14.5%) living in #Alabama is enrolled in #Medicaid, and another 9.4% (more than 1 out of every 11) are enrolled in #Medicare, compared to the national rates of 15% and 8.6%, respectively.

Learn more on our website:

www.appli.org/alabama
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.
January 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM
appli.org
Each month, #APPLIOrg brings you the latest news about our research, reporting, and advocacy efforts in #Appalachia and beyond.

Already receiving our #Newsletter? Please like and share this post with your friends, family, and networks to help us broaden our reach!

https://cutt.ly/APPLI-Newsletter
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.
January 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow?

🍲 More than 1 out of every 7 (17.5%) struggles with #FoodInsecurity, compared to 13.5% nationwide.

🥫 More than 1 out of every 6 residents (14.7%) relies on #SNAP for #NutritionAssistance, compared to 11.8% nationwide.

Learn more on our website:

www.appli.org/alabama
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.
January 27, 2026 at 7:05 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow?

🧒 More than 1 out of every 5 #Children (22.1%) living in #Alabama's #Appalachian counties struggles with #FoodInsecurity, compared 18.5% nationwide.

Learn more on our website:

www.appli.org/alabama
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.
January 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow?

🧒 More than 1 out of every 5 children (22.1%) live in poverty compared to 16.3% nationally.

🏛️ More than 1 out of every 7 households (15.2%) receives some form of government public assistance compared to 12.8% nationally.

Find more data on our website:

www.appli.org/alabama
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.
January 27, 2026 at 6:05 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow?

💰 More than 1 out of every 4 households (26.5%) in #Alabama's #Appalachian counties earn less than 150% of the #FederalPovertyLevel compared to 20.2% nationally.

Find data on our website:

www.appli.org/alabama
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.
January 27, 2026 at 6:01 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow

Nearly 3 out of 4 adults (74.6%) living in the Appalachian Region struggle to solve math problems with more than three steps, including 36.5% who struggle with basic math.

If you provide #AdultEducation services in Appalachia, please take our survey:

cutt.ly/APPLI-Adult-Ed-Survey
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.
January 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM
appli.org
APPLI's #BookRecommendations are back, and this #Winter, we want to spark the fires of curiosity, learning, and action in our readers.

This season, #APPLIOrg is examining how populations can be controlled and manipulated by both corporations and governments:

www.appli.org/appli-reading-lists
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).
January 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Learning Initiative
adapadvocacy.bsky.social
Insurance CEO hearings: Takeaways from a long day on Capitol Hill
https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-congress-unitedhealth-cvs-cigna-ceo-pbm/?utm_content=article1-headline&utm_source=modern-healthcare-am&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20260123
Insurance CEO hearings: Takeaways from a long day on Capitol Hill
Top executives from UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, Elevance Health, Cigna and Ascendiun got an earful from Congress on Thursday.
www.modernhealthcare.com
January 23, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Learning Initiative
adapadvocacy.bsky.social
Read our latest blog, "Trump Administration Applauds Itself for Rx Access Agreements, But Will They Help Patients?"
https://adapadvocacyassociation.blogspot.com/2026/01/trump-administration-applauds-itself.html #MFN #DrugPricing #PatientAccess
January 23, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Learning Initiative
adapadvocacy.bsky.social
No one should be shocked by these findings...

👇

"New analysis finds 340B hospitals push patients toward costly care to boost profits" phrma.org/blog/new-ana...
New analysis finds 340B hospitals push patients toward costly care to boost profits
phrma.org
January 23, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Learning Initiative
adapadvocacy.bsky.social
The number of new drug shortages in U.S. hits lowest level in 20 years, but myriad problems remain www.statnews.com/pharmalot/20... via @statnews.com
The number of new drug shortages in U.S. hits lowest level in 20 years, but myriad problems remain
The number of ongoing prescription drug shortages rose slightly in the last quarter of 2025, but remained significantly lower than the all-time high reached in the beginning of 2024.
www.statnews.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:30 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow

#AdultLiteracy and stroke prevalence are strongly correlated in Alabama, with a #PearsonCoefficient of 0.9 out of 1.0.

Check out our website for info on more than 30 #PublicHealth indicators:

https://www.appli.org/alabama
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.
January 23, 2026 at 7:10 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow

Macon and Hale Counties have the highest prevalence of stroke survivors in #Appalachian #AL, at 6.3% & 5.9%, respectively, compared to the state rate of 5.3% and the national rate of 3.4%

Check out our website for info on 30+ #PublicHealth indicators:

https://www.appli.org/alabama
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.
January 23, 2026 at 7:05 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow

Nearly 1 out of every 20 adults (4.6%) living in #Alabama has suffered a #Stroke.

Check out our website for info on more than 30 #PublicHealth indicators:

https://www.appli.org/alabama
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.
January 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM
appli.org
#APPLIOrg operates entirely off of private #Donations. That makes your support more critical than ever, and any dollar amount helps.

Please consider supporting our continued #Research, #Reporting, & #Advocacy efforts in #Appalachia by making a #TaxDeductible donation:

https://www.appli.org/donate
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.
January 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM
appli.org
#DidYouKnow

#AdultLiteracy and hypertension are strongly correlated in #Alabama, with a #PearsonCoefficient of 0.8 out of 1.0.

Check out our website for info on more than 30 #PublicHealth indicators:

https://www.appli.org/alabama
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.
January 22, 2026 at 7:10 PM