Eastern Kentucky AHEC Recognized as Kentucky’s “Community Star”

UK St. Claire (SCH) is proud to announce the Eastern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (NE KY AHEC) has been recognized as Kentucky’s 2022 “Community Star” by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH). The award is presented in honor of the 12^th Annual National Rural Health Day!

“We were nominated for this prestigious award by a staff member from the Kentucky Office of Rural Health, and it is truly an honor,” said David Gross, SCH Administrative Director for Education and Research and Director of NE KY AHEC. “Our team demonstrates a community-focused mindset for our rural area, which makes NE KY AHEC the perfect candidate.”

NOSORH’s National Rural Health Day showcases efforts made by rural organizations, including healthcare providers, to address unique challenges rural citizens may face. To be nominated as a state’s “Community Star,” the organization must show innovation, demonstrate leadership to grow rural populations and health equity, strive to grow rural programs, and be mission-driven while contributing to rural health innovation, education, collaboration, and communication.

“NE KY AHEC is one of eight regional centers in Kentucky, with more than 235 nationwide,” said Gross. “Our mission is to enhance access to quality healthcare services in rural and medically underserved areas. Being recognized for those efforts validates our work toward the mission and lets us know that we are heading in the right direction when it comes to serving our rural communities.”