INEZ, Ky. (WMDJ) — Five eastern Kentucky health departments are joining forces in a new regional effort aimed at improving long-term health outcomes across the mountains.
Health departments in Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties announced the launch of the Mountain Wellness Collaborative on Wednesday during a gathering at the Martin County Health Department in Inez.
Officials say the partnership is focused on prevention, health education and expanding access to resources to help address chronic health issues that continue to affect the region.
The collaborative will target concerns including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and hypertension, which remain widespread across Appalachian Kentucky. State public health data shows some eastern Kentucky counties have diabetes rates significantly above the national average, while obesity and smoking rates also remain high.
Health leaders say the partnership is designed to address the underlying factors that contribute to poor health, including lifestyle habits, access to care and other social barriers that can make healthy living more difficult.
The five departments say by combining resources, ideas and expertise, they hope to create stronger prevention programs and improve wellness efforts across the region.
Officials say community organizations, healthcare agencies and other wellness-focused partners are invited to join the initiative as it moves forward.
*Photo Courtesy of the Martin County Health Department.
Pictured left to right: Eric Mills (Martin County Health Department), Tammy Riley (Pike County Health Department), Martha Ellis (Floyd County Health Department), Pete Shepherd (Magoffin County Health Department), and Ezalee Pigman (Johnson County Health Department).
