A growing body of research demonstrates that networks of community organizations, working together, can have profound effects on the health trajectories and social determinants of health. Evidence indicates that health and social interventions are more likely to succeed when they are implemented through strong multi-sector networks. To identify pathways for improving rural health, the Systems for Action Intramural Research Team used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Public Health Systems to compare the structure and function of community networks in rural versus urban settings, and tracked changes in these networks over time. 

Read the evidence brief for the full findings and recommended action based on this evidence.