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Kentucky State University and Partners to Launch One of Three Mobile Health Units in Hazard, Kentucky

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Kentucky State University (KSU) will launch one of three mobile health units in Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday, October 24 at 3:30 p.m. at Family Health Centers, Inc. – Portland site. With the support of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Family Health Centers, Inc., Park DuValle Community Health Center, and Jefferson Community and Technical College, this state-wide collaboration will bring accessible healthcare to local communities across Western Louisville.

“We are very excited to launch these mobile health units and bring healthcare directly to underserved communities across the Commonwealth,” said KSU President, Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo. “Etched on one of Kentucky State University’s buildings is, ‘Enter to learn, Go out to serve,’ this initiative reflects our commitment to expanding our impact far beyond the classroom."

The mobile health units are equipped to diagnose and treat metabolic syndrome which is a cluster of conditions which includes hypertension, high blood glucose, abdominal obesity, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. These conditions increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In addition, the mobile health units will alternate between providing clinical health care on some days and Kentucky State University’s Nutrition Education Program (KSU-NEP).

Nutrition education programming will focus on the approach of, “food as medicine,” and will include interactive learning experiences to promote healthy food choices and physical activity consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. With special attention to underserved communities, the program will implement nutrition education and obesity prevention programs for limited resource individuals and families with young children.

Service offerings and locations have been decided based upon research conducted by KSU to assess programmatic needs within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The transportable nature of the mobile health units enables easy access to communities who are otherwise unable to visit hospitals or clinics. KSU will work closely with local health care providers and partner organizations to best identify and serve local communities through referrals and follow-ups with participants.

“These new mobile health units are about more than healthcare—they’re breaking down barriers to success,” said Jefferson Community and Technical College President Dr. Ty Handy. “By addressing critical health needs, we're helping level the playing field for our community, empowering our neighbors to pursue education and rewarding careers. This initiative is a step toward a healthier, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

“The mobile unit concept will provide needed services to residents in the Westend,” said Chief Executive Officer of Park DuValle Community Health Center, Inc., Dr. Swannie Jett. “We are delighted to partner with KSU on this project.”

“Family Health Centers is proud to partner with Kentucky State University in the provision of a mobile medical unit to serve the residents of West Louisville. This partnership allows an expansion in the ability to deliver health care to the doorsteps of those who need it most. It is a vehicle to bring about healthier outcomes for those in Portland, Russell, Shawnee, and the other neighborhoods in West Louisville," said Family Health Center, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bart Irwin. "Family Health Centers greatly appreciate and supports Kentucky State University’s effort to improve the health of Jefferson County."

At KSU, this initiative will be led under the leadership of Dr. Avinash M. Tope (PI) with support from Ms. Turquiose Brown, State Specialist for Community Nutrition and Coordinator for EFNEP and SNE-Ed, and Ms. Joelle Robinson, State Specialist for Nutrition.