Community Activities and Recruitment in Kentucky
2025 News and Events
Danville’s Small Town Christmas Festival
On December 6th, Scotland Stewart and Alix Harris attended Danville’s Small Town Christmas Festival in downtown Danville, Kentucky.
Kentucky Rural Health Association Annual Meeting
On November 20th and 21st, the KY Core promoted the RURAL Cohort Study at the Kentucky Rural Health Association’s Annual Meeting. They connected with community leaders and stakeholders to broaden awareness and support for the study.
11th Annual Christmas Bazaar Promotion
On November 15th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart promoted the study at the 11th Annual Christmas Bazaar hosted by the First Church of God in Danville. They spoke with 37 individuals about the study and distributed branded swag items.
Garrard Community Food Pantry Outreach
On October 27th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended a Garrard Community Food Pantry event to promote the RURAL Cohort Study. They distributed study information to 65 families and strengthened community visibility for the project.
Mindful Wellness Health Ministry Fair
On October 18th, Stephie Abraham attended a health fair hosted by the Mindful Wellness Health Ministry for Garrard County residents. Several individuals expressed interest in the study, and some even enrolled on the spot.
Paint Lick Fall Roundup Engagement
On October 11th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart promoted the RURAL Cohort Study at the Paint Lick Fall Roundup in Garrard County. They distributed free swag and educational materials while encouraging attendees to learn more about participation.
CAB Appreciation Dinner and Meeting
On October 9th, a CAB Appreciation Dinner and Meeting was held for Perry and Breathitt County members to celebrate the successful completion of recruitment. The gathering also reaffirmed their essential role in supporting study engagement and community connection.
Perryville Commemoration Festival Outreach
On October 3rd, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart promoted the NIH-funded RURAL Cohort Study at the Perryville Commemoration Festival in Boyle County. They engaged community members in conversations about the study and helped raise awareness of its goals and importance.
A Word from CAB Members Linda Baker and Terry Dunn
Linda Baker and Terry Dunn as they reflect on their experiences with the Boyle & Garrard County Community Advisory Board (CAB). Through their shared story, discover how local leadership and volunteerism can create meaningful impact and foster stronger community connections.
A Word from CAB Members Audrey Powell and Steve Sleeper
Join Audrey Powell and Steve Sleeper as they reflect on their experiences with the Boyle & Garrard County Community Advisory Board (CAB). Through their shared story, discover how local leadership and volunteerism can create meaningful impact and foster stronger community connections.
A Word from CAB Member Brent Blevens
Brent Blevens is a dedicated member of the Boyle & Garrard County Community Advisory Board (CAB). In this spotlight, Brent shares his passion for supporting our community and his insights on the impact CAB has across Garrard & Boyle Counties. Hear firsthand how collaboration, commitment, and community spirit drive positive change.
MEU Open House
The MEU Open House took place on October 2 at Millennium Park in Danville, Kentucky. The day began with the MEU seeing five participants before the team enjoyed lunch at Cooper and Oaks with Dr. Vasan Ramachandran, Principal Investigator of the SCC. Following lunch, the group returned to the MEU for a well-attended open house. Guests enjoyed guided tours of the MEU, a chance to meet the MEU staff, complimentary blood pressure checks, and a variety of health-related materials. Attendees also received giveaway items and were able to explore an inflatable heart and lung exhibit.
Rural Heritage Tobacco Festival
On September 12, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart promoted the study at the Rural Heritage Tobacco Festival in Lancaster (Garrard County), where they spoke with about 30 individuals, out of which several were interested in participating in the study.
Masters Lamb Ministries Baby Pantry
On September 10th, Sierra Williams attended a community health event held at The Master’s Lamb Ministries Baby Pantry in Perry County, where she distributed goodie bags, health resources, and informational materials.
Danville City Commission and Lancaster City Council
On September 8th, Stephie Abraham presented and provided an update to the Danville City Commission in Boyle County, as well as the Lancaster City Council in Garrard County.
“The Joe Show”
On September 3rd, Dr. Stephanie Boone was interviewed on “The Joe Show” on WHIR. You can watch the interview here.
Boyle/Garrard CAB Meeting
On September 2nd, Dr. Stephanie Boone and Stephie Abraham met with the CEO of Ephraim McDowell Health, Daniel McKay, and Jason Dean, Vice President of Clinical Effectiveness, to introduce the study and discuss opportunities to collaborate. Following this, a Boyle/Garrard CAB meeting was held to discuss updates regarding the MEU move and recruitment.
International Overdose Awareness Event
On August 28th, Stephie Abraham promoted the study at the International Overdose Awareness event, where she spoke with 20 individuals, several of whom were interested in participating in the study.
Boyle County Fiscal Court
On August 26th, Dr. Stephanie Boone presented to the Boyle County Fiscal Court about the study and provided an update regarding the MEU move.
Balloons Over the Bluegrass Event
On August 24th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Balloons Over the Bluegrass event.
Boyle County Farmers Market
On August 23rd, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Boyle County Farmers Market and talked to around 20 individuals about the study.
Junction City Ponderosa Speedway Event
On August 22nd, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart promoted the study at the Ponderosa Speedway event in Junction City in Boyle County, Kentucky.
Garrard County Fiscal Court
On August 11th, Dr. Stephanie Boone and Stephie Abraham presented the study to the Garrard County Fiscal Court. Judge Elleman, along with the magistrates, offered their support for the study and agreed to promote it in the county.
NHLBI Project Officer Kentucky Visit
On August 4th and 5th, the Kentucky core hosted Sean Coady (NHLBI Project Officer) in Hazard. He met with some of the CAB members and our partners at the Center for Excellence in Rural Health.
Q&A With RURAL Study MEU Staff
The Kentucky Core filmed a short video about the Mobile Exam Unit (MEU), highlighting the RURAL study and the MEU’s upcoming move to Danville, Kentucky. Starting in September, Residents of Boyle and Garrard counties will be able to sign up for a visit!
Breathitt Community Health Fair
On June 4th, Sierra Williams promoted the study at the Breathitt Community Health Fair, hosted by the Breathitt County Health Department. There, she connected with several individuals in the community, including healthcare providers.
Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association
On June 6th, Dr. Stephanie Boone and Stephie Abraham presented the study at the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association Garrard County Chapter’s Annual Meeting. Several individuals expressed interest in participating in the study, and some signed up on the spot!
Connecting with Physicians
On June 10th, Dr. Stephanie Boone and Stephie Abraham traveled with Melissa Grubbs, the Physician Relations Support at Ephraim McDowell Health, to 10 primary care centers in Boyle and Garrard counties. They spoke with physicians and nurse practitioners about the study and how it could benefit the community.
Perry and Boyle County Fairs
On June 12th, Sierra Williams attended the Perry County Fair to promote the RURAL study, and Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Boyle County Fair to promote the study. Although the trip was shortened due to bad weather, they spoke to about 20 individuals.
Kentucky CAB Meetings
On June 16th and 20th, the team held Community Advisory Board Meetings for all four counties.
Ephraim Chaplains’ Meeting
On June 26th, Stephie Abraham presented at the Ephraim Chaplains’ meeting in Danville about the study. The chaplains were very excited about the study and agreed to pass along the information to their respective congregations.
Juniper Health
On July 7th, Dr. Stephanie Boone and Sierra Williams met with the CEO of Juniper Health in Jackson (Breathitt County), following which additional information was sent to the 10 other healthcare providers in the clinic for them to share with their patients.
Garrard County Fair
On July 11th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Garrard County Fair in Lancaster to promote the RURAL study.
Boyle County Farmers Market
On July 12th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Boyle County Farmers Market in Danville and spoke to 30 individuals. It was great to hear that some individuals had already heard about the study from events or from family and friends, which shows RURAL is gaining popularity in these areas!
Back to School Bash
On July 17th, Sierra Williams attended the Back to School Bash in Jackson (Breathitt County) and distributed school supplies to over 100 families.
Ephraim Wellness Center
On July 18th, Scotland Stewart attended the Community Health Fair at the Ephraim Wellness Center where she spoke with 65 individuals. Several of them expressed interest in signing up and/or sharing information with their family and friends.
Kentucky Core PI Interviewed on The Bridge Podcast
Dr. Stephanie Boone, the Kentucky Core State Principal Investigator, was recently featured on The Bridge podcast in an episode titled “Matters of the Heart (& Lung): A RURAL Health Study.” The podcast is hosted by Amelia Holliday and sponsored by the Kentucky Office of Rural Health. In the episode, Dr. Boone discusses the RURAL Study and its role in highlighting the unique health challenges faced by rural communities and what the study’s findings could mean for the future of rural healthcare.
Boyle County Farmers Market
On May 10th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Boyle County Farmers Market. They spoke with over 25 individuals and distributed study brochures and educational materials.
Jackson Chamber of Commerce Presentation
On May 6th, Sierra Williams, a Kentucky Core CEC, presented the study to the Jackson Chamber of Commerce in Breathitt County, where she connected with several individuals who were interested in the study.
Community Health Fair in Breathitt County
On April 29th, Sierra Williams, a Kentucky Core CEC, hosted a community health fair in Breathitt County, in partnership with the Breathitt County Health Department. Several vendors attended the event, and several individuals expressed interest in participating in the study.
Danville Earth Day Festival
On April 26th, Stephie Abraham, a Kentucky Core CEC, attended the Danville Earth Day Festival in Boyle County, where she spoke with over 60 individuals, and several of them expressed interest in participating in the study.
Breathitt County Resource Collaboration Meeting
On April 18th, Sierra Williams, a Kentucky Core CEC, attended the Breathitt County Resource collaboration meeting at the Soldiers of Jesus Christ Church, where she connected with stakeholders in the community. She distributed brochures and swag. It was a great opportunity to learn about existing resources and upcoming projects/events in the community.
Appalachian Research Day Conference
On April 16th, the Kentucky Core team attended the Appalachian Research Day Conference, where we promoted the RURAL study. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with major stakeholders from Perry and Breathitt counties.
Kentucky Core CAB Meetings
The Kentucky Core held a Community Advisory Board (CAB) meeting for Boyle and Garrard Counties on February 3rd and a meeting for Perry and Breathitt Counties on March 21st. They received lots of feedback and ideas on continued community engagement efforts in Kentucky.
Heart Smart Event
On March 21st, the Kentucky Core promoted the study at the Heart Smart Event at the UK-CERH in Hazard in collaboration with KY Homeplace, Appalachian Regional Health, KY River District Health Department, and the Kentucky Office of Rural Health.
Aging Issues Awareness Conference
On March 20, Stephie Abraham, Sierra Williams, and Scotland Stewart promoted the study at the Aging Issues Awareness Conference in Hazard (Perry County). The KY Core Team distributed materials to about 65 attendees.
KY River Health Consortium
On March 13th, Stephie Abraham presented the study to the KY River Health Consortium about the RURAL Heart and Lung Study.
College and Career Fair at Jackson Independent School
On March 6th, Stephie Abraham, Sierra Williams, and Scotland Stewart attended the College and Career Fair at Jackson Independent School in Breathitt County. It was a great opportunity to pass along study materials to parents through students. We also connected with the school superintendent and other staff who expressed great interest in the study.
City Council Presentation
On February 27th, a Boyle County CAB member and Director of the Boyle County Health Department, Mr. Brent Blevins, presented the study to the City Council and introduced the potential of parking the MEU at Millennium Park. The idea was well received, and later the Kentucky team met with city officials for a site visit.
Happy Heart Luncheon
On February 21st, the Kentucky Core attended the Happy Heart Luncheon hosted by the Ephraim McDowell Foundation. Dr. Boone presented the study during lunch hour. Along with the KY team, our Boyle County CAB members attended the event and helped us promote the study. It was a great event to network and connect with key stakeholders.
Kentucky Core Media Day and Open House
The Kentucky Core held their Media Day and Open House Event on February 3rd! MEU exams launched in Kentucky in late January. In attendance were CAB members, local community members, local community-based organizations, MEU staff, and KY Core faculty.
There was a great turnout, with several of the city officials attending to show their support. Dr. Boone was interviewed by WYMT and Hazard Herald about the study and the resources it provides to the community.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions or comments, please call us at 1-888-RURALST (1- 888-787-2578) or email us at RURALstudy@uab.edu
If you would like to contact the KY team, email ruralky@louisville.edu or please contact:
Stephanie Boone at 502-852-2257 or email stephanie.boone@louisville.edu
Stephie Abraham at 502-852-3992 or email stephie.abraham@louisville.edu
In the News
Kentucky Core PI Interview on WYMT-TV
Check out the RURAL Study’s
Kentucky Facebook Page!
Kentucky Instagram Page!