Community leaders from across Northeast Kentucky have joined together to establish a new regional partnership focused on improving health outcomes, expanding access to services, and strengthening the overall well-being of residents throughout the FIVCO region.
The newly formed Northeast Kentucky Health & Wellness Alliance brings together healthcare providers, public health agencies, social service organizations, and community development leaders to address the complex challenges affecting the health and prosperity of the region.
Convened by FIVCO Area Development District, the collaborative effort includes representatives from the Ashland-Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, and Lawrence County Health Departments; UK King’s Daughters; Three Rivers Medical Center; Pathways, Inc.; Ramey-Estep/Re-group; PrimaryPlus; Hillcrest-Bruce Mission; Family Resource and Youth Service Centers (FRYSC) Region 7; and other regional partners committed to improving quality of life throughout Northeast Kentucky.
The alliance was formed in recognition that many of the region’s most pressing challenges—including chronic disease, substance use disorder, mental health concerns, workforce participation, housing instability, transportation barriers, and access to care—require coordinated solutions that extend beyond the capabilities of any single organization.
The newly founded partnership will focus on identifying shared priorities, developing regional strategies, supporting grant opportunities, sharing data and best practices, and advocating for initiatives that improve both community health and economic well-being.
Among the alliance’s initial areas of focus are behavioral health and recovery support services, workforce development, rural healthcare access, healthy community initiatives, transportation coordination, and efforts to address the social determinants of health throughout the region.
The initiative also builds upon ongoing regional efforts, including Recovery Ready Community designations, substance use recovery initiatives, community health improvement planning, economic development strategies, and partnerships aimed at strengthening the region’s long-term resilience.
The alliance will continue meeting regularly throughout the year as members establish organizational priorities, identify collaborative projects, and develop a long-term framework for advancing health and wellness across the region. Organizations interested in learning more about the initiative or participating in future discussions are encouraged to contact FIVCO Area Development District.
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With temperatures climbing across the region, the City of Olive Hill is asking residents and businesses to do their part to help conserve electricity over the next several days.
The city, in partnership with the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency, has issued a Power Conservation Alert. Officials say the request is voluntary, but conserving electricity can help reduce strain on the power grid and lower the risk of rotating power outages during this period of extreme heat.
Residents are encouraged to make a few simple adjustments, including raising their thermostat by two to three degrees, limiting the use of large appliances such as dishwashers, dryers and ovens, turning off unnecessary lights and electronics, and keeping blinds or curtains closed while shutting doors to unused rooms to help keep the heat outside.
Officials say the more people who participate, the greater the impact on the community. Conserving electricity now can also help reduce energy costs over time.
Again, this is a voluntary conservation request, but the City of Olive Hill says every small step can make a difference as the region works through this period of unusually high temperatures.
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Today marks the final opportunity this week for residents in Western Carter County to take advantage of the county-wide clean-up campaign, as dumpsters will be available at the Carter County Maintenance Garage on US 60 until 2:30 p.m. The Solid Waste Department reminds all participants that dumpster access has now returned to its regular three-day weekly schedule and urges the public to follow the updated disposal guidelines.
A number of items will not be accepted, including refrigerators, deep freezers, televisions, household garbage, paint, tires, and batteries. In addition, all items must be either bagged or boxed — loose trash will not be collected.
The Carter County Clean-Up campaign operates on a rotating schedule, providing disposal opportunities for both the eastern and western ends of the county. After today’s event, dumpsters will return to the maintenance garage in Grayson from July 22nd through 24th.
This valuable community service is made possible by the Carter County Solid Waste Department, who continue to support these efforts to keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and beautiful. Let’s all do our part to keep Carter County looking its best.