Kentucky State University and Partners to Launch One of Three Mobile Health Units in Hazard, Kentucky
Kentucky State University (KSU) will launch one of three mobile health units at Hazard
Community and Technical College on Friday, October 25 at 1 p.m. With the support of
the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Kentucky Department for Public Health,
and Hazard Community and Technical College, this state-wide collaboration will bring
accessible healthcare to local communities throughout the Commonwealth.
“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.”
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.
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.
“Statistics show that health challenges such as diabetes and heart disease are more
prevalent in our region. We are working in collaboration with multiple organizations
to improve outcomes,” Dr. Jennifer Lindon, HCTC President and Chief Executive Officer,
said. “We strive to prepare graduates across our allied health programs who are ready
to address these challenges.”
“Our hope is for KSU-NEP participants to gain skills to plan nutritious meals on a limited budget, acquire safe food handling practices, improve food preparation skills, and change food behaviors that are necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said KSU State Specialist for Community Nutrition Education Nutrition and Coordinator for EFNEP and SNE-Ed, Turquoise Brown, MES.
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.
“Serving all Kentuckians is a priority for KCTCS, and access to education is essential to the success of our state. Our colleges, including Hazard Community and Technical College, do a great job in our communities across the state to meet people where they are and provide essential services to ensure their success. This effort by Kentucky State University to provide essential health screenings to underserved populations in our state is another great way to support our neighbors who may not have access to essential services,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles.
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.