Alexander to serve on editorial board of new Journal of Appalachian Health
A new journal focused on the health challenges of Appalachia launched this month, and WVU public health expert Linda Alexander will serve on the publication’s editorial board.
The Journal of Appalachian Health will feature peer-reviewed research articles from a wide range of sources, along with shorter articles on preliminary research, editorials, commentary, book reviews, letters to the editor, announcements. A section called “Voices from the Field” will highlight work being done in the community to improve the health of the population.
The online, open-access journal is dedicated to improving the health of Appalachia through the rapid dissemination of scholarly work.
The Journal of Appalachian Health (JAH) will be produced initially on a quarterly basis, increasing in production as the submissions increase. JAH’s goal is to maintain rapid-cycle dissemination, publishing within 8-10 weeks of submission.
Alexander, who is a professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and senior associate dean at WVU School of Public Health, will join other Appalachia-based academics on the editorial board for JAH, which is published by University of Kentucky.
“This journal blends the vibrant and rich culture of Appalachia with opportunities to advance our scientific knowledge about the value of evidence-based, culturally relevant, and impactful scholarship with the community’s voice in mind,” Alexander said. “I was honored to be asked to participate in the development of the journal, which is also a reflection of my deep roots in Appalachia, especially Kentucky.”
The journal is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, WVU School of Public Health, Ohio University’s Appalachian Rural Health Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and other institutions.
The journal is now accepting submissions and seeking peer reviewers. Alexander invites anyone interested in this project to visit the JAH website and peruse the unique and deliberate choices for the journal’s editors, editorial board and advisory board. The JAH, she says, provides “a wonderful creative and scientific outlet for faculty, students and staff.”
Peer reviewers are experts in a specific topic. Medical journals rely on these experts to assist in the review of manuscripts that have been submitted for publication. Reviewers help editors make decisions about the quality, relevance and credibility of the paper. JAH asks that reviewers consider their own time constraints when committing to complete a review; reviewers will be given details of what is expected and the timeline for completion (usually 21 days) and can then decide if the timing works for them.
Visit the site to learn more or contact JAH’s Managing Editor Charlotte Seidman at charlotte.seidman@uky.edu with questions.