Nov 24 Health “Diseases Of Despair” Deaths Drop Slightly But Still Higher In Appalachia Than U.S. New research shows that deaths due to the mix of substance abuse and suicides known as “diseases of despair” declined slightly in 2018. But the mortality rates throughout the Ohio Valley and Appalachian region are still higher than the national average. A report from the Appalachian Regional Commission found that overall mortality rates from diseases […] By Alana Watson Nov 24 Health “Diseases Of Despair” Deaths Drop Slightly But Still Higher In Appalachia Than U.S. Alana Watson