We are actively recruiting individuals between the ages of 25 and 64 who live in Boyle or Garrard Counties. Please indicate your interest in participating here.
2025 News and Events
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.
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.
2024 News and Events
Presentation for Hazard City Council and Perry County Fiscal Court
On December 16th and 17th, Dr. Boone and Stephie presented and provided an update about the RURAL study and its impact on the Kentucky community to the Hazard City Council and Perry County Fiscal Court.
Soldiers of Jesus Christ Toy Drive Event
On December 13th and 14th, Stephie and Scotland traveled to Perry County to promote the study at the Hazard Small Town Christmas Event and the SJC Toy Drive event in Breathitt County.
Soldiers of Jesus Christ Food Pantry Event
On December 7th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart from the Kentucky Core of the RURAL Study distributed Christmas goodies and promotional materials to over 100 individuals at the Soldiers of Jesus Christ (SJC) Food Pantry event in Breathitt.
Jackson City Council Presentation
On November 21st, Dr. Stephanie Boone and Stephie Abraham traveled to Jackson in Breathitt County to present to the Jackson City Council. They also dropped off materials at the Juniper Health Family Clinic in Jackson.
Kentucky Core PI Interview on WYMT-TV in Hazard, Kentucky
WYMT’s Steve Hensley interviewed Dr. Stephanie Boone, the Kentucky Core State PI, about the Rural Heart and Lung Study and why it’s being done with in Perry and Breathitt Counties on the Issues and Answers program, which aired on November 18th.
Buckhorn Medical Clinic
Dr. Stephanie Boone and Stephie Abraham drove to Buckhorn and Chavies in Perry County to distribute study materials to the Buckhorn medical clinic, post office, local stores, and the family service center.
Centre College Event
On November 12th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Centre College’s, Live Centred Event in Boyle County where they promoted the study to Centre College staff.
Garrard County High School College and Career Fair
On November 7th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Garrard County High School’s college and career fair to promote the study. They connected with several school staff members and distributed brochures to the entire school staff.
Battle of Leatherwood Reenactment
The Kentucky Core packed approximately 200 goodie bags with RURAL brochures, souvenir items, candies for Perry County’s Battle of Leatherwood reenactment and Apostolic Outreach of SJC’s Hallelujah Carnival.
Paint Lick Village Festival
On October 19th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Paint Lick Village Fest in Garrard County and shared study information and distributed souvenir items to 50 individuals.
Monthly Food Pantry at SJC
On October 12th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart traveled to Jackson, Breathitt County to promote the study at a monthly food pantry event hosted by the Apostolic Outreach of SJC (Soldiers of Jesus Christ). They passed out information to about 200 families.
Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program Task Force Meeting
On October 10th, Dr. Stephanie Boone and Stephie Abraham attended the Kentucky Department of Health Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program’s Task Force Meeting to connect with stakeholders in Perry and Breathitt counties. Dr. Boone was one of the speakers where she presented the RURAL study.
Primary Care Association Annual Meeting
On October 6th and 7th, the Kentucky Core attended the Kentucky Primary Care Association’s Annual Meeting where they connected with several stakeholders relevant to the four target counties.
Perryville Commemoration Festival
On October 4th and 5th, the Kentucky Core attended the Perryville Commemoration Festival in Boyle County where they discussed the study with about 40 people.
Homemakers Association Annual Meeting
On October 4th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Garrard County Kentucky Homemakers Association Annual Meeting to promote the study and distribute souvenir items.
Five Alarm Festival
Caleb Williams attended the Five Alarm Festival, an event to honor firefighters, and distributed many RURAL souvenir items.
Breathitt Honey Festival
On August 30th through September 1st, Caleb Williams, Stephie Abraham, and Scotland Stewart, the Kentucky Core CECs and the Kentucky Core Graduate Student, attended the Breathitt Honey Festival and promoted the Study. They had a great turnout, with several individuals expressing interest in the study.
Garrard County Rural Heritage Tobacco Festival
On September 6th and 7th, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart, the Boyle and Garrard CEC and the Kentucky Core Graduate Student, attended the Garrard County Rural Heritage Tobacco Festival, where they had the opportunity to talk to about 65 individuals. They want to thank Garrard County CAB member, Linda Baker, for stopping by the booth to show support and for sharing the Study with the community.
Black Gold Festival 2024
On September 19th through September 21st, Caleb Williams, the Perry and Breathitt CEC, promoted the Study the Black Gold Festival and spoke to about 75 people about the Study.
Perry County Fish Fry
Fish Fry Event in Perry County The Kentucky Core team distributed push cards at the July 4th Fish Fry event in Hazard in Perry County.
Louisiana Site Visit
On June 19, the Kentucky Core team traveled to Louisiana! We connected with Dr. Stephanie Broyles (Louisiana Core Principal Investigator) and Erin Theriot (Community Engagement Coordinator for Assumption Parish), who showed us around Napoleonville where the Mobile Exam Unit (MEU) is stationed. We got to know the MEU staff who gave us a tour and shared tips for explaining components and procedures of the exam.
June Fairs and Events
Throughout the month of June, the Kentucky Core team promoted the study at the Perry County Fair, Thursdays on the Grande in Hazard, Summer in the Park in Perry County and distributed swag and push cards at an event with Breathitt Food Pantry in Jackson.
Boyle County Fair
Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart promoted the study and distributed SWAG at the Boyle County fair to about 25 people over 2 days.
May CAB Meetings
In the last 2 weeks of May, the Kentucky Core team held Community Advisory Board meetings for Boyle/Garrard and Perry/Breathitt Counties. The primary focus of the meetings were to get feedback on crucial aspects of our work including community engagement efforts, networking, MEU locations, and advertising.
Garrard County Earth Day Festival
In April, the Kentucky Core team promoted the study at the Garrard County Earth Day Festival in Lancaster, providing the community with information on how they can be part of the study.
Give Your Heart Some Love this Valentine’s Day!
On February 14, Caleb Williams handed out RURAL swag items and discussed the study with attendees of the Center of Excellence in Rural Health’s “Give Your Heart Some Love this Valentine’s Day!” event. This event also featured free health screenings, American Heart Month information, and heart healthy snacks.
Lunch & Learn Event
Stephie Abraham attended a Lunch & Learn event later in January, hosted by the UK Extension Office in Garrard County where she introduced the study to the county residents. It was a great opportunity to meet with residents from different parts of the county.
Hazard Chamber of Commerce Meeting Presentation
On January 23, Dr. Stephanie Boone and Caleb Williams presented at the Hazard Chamber of Commerce meeting in Perry County to Perry County to give an overview of the study and to provide recruitment updates.
January CAB Meetings
In January, the Kentucky Core team hosted CAB meetings for all four counties. The meetings were focused on identifying hard-to-reach populations and the CABs provided guidance for which advertising methods would be efficient in all counties.
2023 News and Events
TEDxDanville Presentation
On October 27, Dr. Stephanie Boone, the Kentucky Core Principal Investigator (PI), presented at TEDxDanville, which focused on the transformative power of positive disruption. Dr. Boone’s presentation was titled “Rethink Epidemiology: Meaningful Engagement” and was about the value of time spent on community engagement in epidemiology and population health studies.
Paint Lick Village Fest
On October 21, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Paint Lick Village Fest in Garrard County. They shared information about the RURAL study with about 50 people and connected with key stakeholders in the community.
Boyle County Fiscal Court Health Fair
On October 13, Stephie Abraham promoted the RURAL study at the Boyle County Fiscal Court Health Fair.
Perryville Commemoration Festival
On October 6 & 7, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart attended the Perryville Commemoration Festival in Boyle County where they shared information about the study to about 60 individuals.
Black Gold Festival 2023
The Kentucky Core was featured as a vendor booth in the recent Black Gold Festival held on September 14-16th, making this the second year in a row that we were able to represent the RURAL study and reach hundreds of individuals over three days.
Perryville City Council Presentation
On September 7, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Steward presented to the Perryville City Council meeting in Boyle County.
Garrard County Rural Heritage Tobacco Festival
In August 2023, Stephie Abraham and Scotland Stewart promoted the study at the Garrard County Rural Heritage Tobacco Festival. They introduced the study to about 70 people and were able to connect with other community stakeholders.
Boyle County Fiscal Court Presentation
In August 2023, Dr. Stephanie Boone and Stephie Abraham presented to the Boyle County Fiscal Court, where they introduced the RURAL study to the magistrates and discuss future plans to prepare for the MEU arrival in Kentucky.
Back to School Bash
In August 2023, Caleb Williams, a Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC), had the opportunity to visit schools in both Perry and Breathitt counties during the first week of August for their Back to School Bash. The RURAL study provided glue sticks, pens, pencils, notebooks, and other materials, providing resources designed to help the children of both counties in the classroom.
Attending County Fairs to Promote the RURAL Study
In June 2023, Stephie, Scotland, and Dr. Boone promoted the study at the Boyle County Fair. We provided the local residents with information on how they could be part of our study in 2024 and gave out swag items to those that stopped by—our heart-shaped cold packs and handheld fans were crowd favorites! Later that month, the Kentucky Core attended the Perry and Garrard County Fairs to share the word of RURAL within their communities. Caleb Williams, a Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC), attended the Breathitt County Health Fair, which had close to 300 attendees who were excited to learn about the study.
Community Advisory Board (CAB) Meetings
During the week of June 18th, 2023, the RURAL Team held Community Advisory Board meetings for members of Boyle/Garrard and Perry/Breathitt Counties. We discussed the progress of the study and our community engagement timeline as we plan for the MEU’s arrival in Kentucky in 2024.
Happy Heart Luncheon in Danville, Kentucky
In February 2023, Dr. Stephanie Boone, Kentucky Core Principal Investigator, and Stephie Abraham, Research Coordinator, attended the Happy Heart Luncheon in Danville to promote the RURAL Study. Promotional items and flyers were distributed during this event.
Lancaster & Garrard City Commission Meetings
In January 2023, Dr. Boone presented the RURAL Study at the Lancaster City Commission Meeting in Garrard County and the Danville City Commission Meeting in Boyle County. Dr. Boone also met with the cardiologists at Ephraim McDowell Heart and Vascular Institute to introduce the study.
2022 News and Events
Meeting Local Boyle and Garrard County Government Officials
In December 2022, Dr. Stephanie Boone, Kentucky Core Principal Investigator, Stephie Abraham, Research Coordinator, and Scotland Stewart, Graduate Research Assistant, traveled to Boyle and Garrard Counties. There, they met with local government officials and businesses to introduce the RURAL Study and distributed flyers and postcards.
Community Advisory Board (CAB) Meeting (October 2022)
In October 2022, the Kentucky Core held a Community Advisory Board (CAB) meeting for Perry and Breathitt Counties. Please see below for a full list of CAB members.
Breathitt County Health Fair
In September 2022, Caleb Williams, Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC), set up a table at a health fair in Breathitt County that was designed to help flood victims Eastern Kentucky Flooding that occurred in 2022 with health-related needs. The Kentucky Core partnered with local organizations to provide information on available resources in the community and nationally.
Black Gold Festival
In September 2022, the Kentucky Core promoted the RURAL Study at the annual Black Gold Festival in Perry County. Caleb Williams and Stephie Abraham distributed RURAL postcards and other promotional materials during this event.
Kentucky River Health Consortium
In June 2022, Dr. Stephanie Boone and Scotland Stewart, Graduate Research Assistant, attended the Kentucky River Health Consortium in Hazard (Perry County).
2021 News and Events
Visiting the Mobile Exam Unit (MEU) in Alabama
In July 2021, the Kentucky Core visited the Mobile Exam Unit (MEU) in Alabama.
Meet our Kentucky Core Team!
Kentucky Core Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator
Co-Investigator
Interim Director CERH and Sub-Contract Principal investigator
Stephie Abraham
Research Coordinator/Community Engagement Coordinator for Boyle and Garrard
Scotland Stewart
Graduate Research Assistant
Community Engagement Coordinator for Perry and Breathitt Counties
Meet our Community Advisory Board Members
Breathitt and Perry Counties:
Tracy Bird represents Breathitt County. She is a school nurse for the Breathitt County High School in Jackson, KY.
Betsy Clemons is the Executive Director of Hazard Perry County Chamber of Commerce. She represents Perry County and has resided in Perry County for over 60 years. She has a BA in Business/Accounting. She is involved in several community organizations that offer health care options, solutions, and opportunities for a healthier lifestyle.
Betsy Clemons ~ “I have been alarmed about the health concerns faced in Perry County and rural Eastern Kentucky. Diabetes, cancer, heart, lung, blood disorders are at an alarming rate. Bringing the research center to Perry County will help identify health disparities to find solutions to improve the lives of Perry County and other Eastern Kentucky residents. We live in the natural beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with the most resilient, caring, talented residents that deserve access to preventative and accessible healthcare.”
Crystal Moore represents Breathitt County. She is a school nurse for Sebastian Elementary School.
Cristiana Rush is a lifelong resident of Perry County. She received degrees from Lincoln Memorial University and the University of Kentucky. She spent significant time working in community mental health and, more recently, as a behavioral consultant. She is currently the District Health Coordinator for Perry County Schools.
Cristiana Rush ~ “As a resident and health care professional I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the Community Advisory Board promoting opportunities to improve health care and accessibility in our area.”
Melissa Slone represents Perry County. She serves as the COO for the Kentucky River District Health Department.
Boyle and Garrard Counties:
Linda Baker is a lifelong Garrard County resident. She has been retired for many years but stays busy volunteering for the CASA program, Garrard County Homeless Coalition as a board member and treasurer, and several Inter County Agencies. She is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Daughters of the American Revolution. Before retiring, she worked in a bank’s loan department, where she served many roles, including loan reviewer, loan officer, compliance officer, and risk management. She has attended classes at EKU, UK, Kentucky Bankers Association, American Banking Association, and numerous others.
Linda Baker ~ “Heart problems run in my family, and I lost a granddaughter with lung cancer three weeks after turning twenty-six. I was drawn to the Community Advisory Board in hopes of helping people understand the importance of getting tested and follow up with their doctors.”
Brent Blevins has been the Public Health Director for the Boyle County Health Department since 2011. He has lived in Boyle County for the past 27 years. He has a BS from the University of South Florida and a MA from the University of Louisville.
Brent Blevins ~ “My interest is the people I continually meet in Freedom from Smoking classes who deal with COPD, lung cancer, heart problems, etc. who are searching for help in addition to improving the poor health outcomes we have in Ky.”
Jason Dean is the Vice President of Clinical Effectiveness and Administrator of Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Utica College of Syracuse University and is working on a Masters in Business Administration from Northern Kentucky University. He represents Boyle County and has been a resident of the county since 2006.
Jason Dean ~ “I want to help our community live a healthier life and improve heart and lung outcomes for those who we care for.”
Terry M. Dunn is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Boyle County Emergency Medical Services located in Danville, Kentucky. Mr. Dunn is a licensed Minister, Social Worker, and a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University in 2013. After completing internships with Family Services Association and Harvesting Hope Incorporation both of Boyle County, Mr. Dunn worked for Signature Healthcare as the Director of Social Services for 4 years. Mr. Dunn’s faith is the driving force behind his dedicated community service as an agent for change.
Angela Muncy was raised in Leslie County, Kentucky and relocated to Boyle County in 2018 to become the Director of Environmental Services/Code Enforcement for the Boyle County Fiscal Court. She has spent 32 years in city/county government. She is also a Master Environmental Educator, Master Naturalist, as well as a Certified Municipal Clerk. She received a BS in Finance from Lincoln Memorial University in 1987.
Angela Muncy ~ “Being from Eastern Kentucky and working with Solid Waste issues for over 20 years, I have always been concerned not only with quality of healthcare for heart and lung issues, but how the environment and our habits can affect our heart and lung health.”
Audrey Powell is a Boyle County resident and has held the position of Executive Director of Community Service at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center for the past 16 years. She graduated from Indiana University School of Nursing with a BS in Nursing and MS in Nursing of Adults with Biodissonance. Since her retirement, she serves as a volunteer faith community nurse in a congregation of about 400 families. During her tenure at Ephraim McDowell Health, she led the Danville component of the HeartHealth project in collaboration with the University of Kentucky Gill Heart Institute. The aim of the project was to identify cardiovascular risk factors amenable to reduction by lifestyle changes. After the closure of the HeartHealth Study, the team applied for and received a rural health grant and, over four years, continue to screen for CV risk factors and provide participant education. Her department also ran a free clinic for uninsured individuals meeting economic challenges guidelines with chronic obstructive lung disease, congestive heart failure, type II diabetes, gastric esophageal reflux disease, and hypertension. The clinic’s success was tracked by the decrease in ER visits and the quality-of-life scores for the participants. Audrey has experience in nursing leadership, CCRN, and as a guest lecturer at a local university.
Babette Overman has been a state and community leader in her service in bettering Kentuckian’s mental and physical health. She has been a Garrard County resident for 16 years, with her husband, Kirby, married for 44 years and have one son. Her education was at Purdue University – education and engineering. and presently owns a company – “Maiden America”. She has served as the President of Kentucky Women in Agriculture and the Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s “Raising Hope” initiative.
Her work within both entities promoted the healthy lives of Kentucky farm families. Presently, Babette serves as a member and Board member/officer of several community and area organizations. The Garrard County Extension Service Homemakers Association, Nicholasville Farmer’s Market to name just a few but is honored to serve as a member of the Community Advisory Council of Emory University’s Roybal Center for Demential Family Caregivers representing rural America. She will soon be a participant in the development of the Center’s “Caregiving Navigator-Develop Skills Online (CAN DO program) aiming to equip caregivers to navigate through health care, legal, financial and financial systems on behalf of the person for who they provide care for and themselves. Her passion is recognized nationally for advocating healthy minds, bodies and spirits for people in all socio-economic arenas.
Laura Richard is a Garrard County native and currently the Executive Director of the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation. In her role, she works in the community to further the foundation mission, which provides philanthropic support for various health care initiatives within Ephraim McDowell Health’s six county region. Laura is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and was inspired to participate in CAB to make sure our community has amazing health care opportunities right here ‘at home’.
Doug Simpson is the Fire Chief for the City of Danville in Boyle County. He has been with the city for 20 years and has been in the Fire Chiefs role for 2 years. He will represent Boyle County on the CAB, where he has resided for the past 5 years.
Doug Simpson ~ “I am excited about the study because heart disease in the fire service is a major issue. Fifty percent of all fire-related fatalities can be attributed to heart disease.”
Steven Sleeper is a Boyle County Magistrate District 6. He is a retired System Chaplain for Ephraim McDowell Health and former Director of Laboratory Services for James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital and Adjunct Professor for Campbellsville University. He has a Master of Theology from Campbellsville University, a Bachelor of Science Pastoral/Youth Ministry from United Wesleyan College, Bachelor of Arts Biology from Albion College, Associate degree in Applied Science MLT from Kellogg College, and a Medical Technologist certificate from American Society for Clinical Pathology.
“As a county magistrate I sit on the Boyle County Fiscal Court which makes decisions that touch on many aspects of community life with the aim to improve the quality of life for all our citizens. In my nearly forty years of health care experience, I have cared for the clinical and spiritual needs of patients, many of whom had diseases of the heart and lungs. As a medical laboratorian I have performed clinical lab analyses on patients, and as a hospital chaplain I have tended to the spiritual needs of sick and dying patients. I was introduced to the RURAL heart and lung study through a presentation at our fiscal court. I became involved as a Community Advisory Board member after talking with Stephie Abraham at a county employee health fair. I had inquired about being a subject in the study, however, my age was outside the study parameter. I hope to contribute to the study through the knowledge I have gained in my professional experience, my continued community involvement, and my frequent contact with the people of Boyle County.”
Eboney W. Weathers is a Kentucky native who relocated to Danville, Kentucky, in May 2022 after living in the Atlanta, Georgia, area for the past 9 years. She retired from a very celebrated career with the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2011 with her last position being a political appointee with the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services. Mrs. Weathers is an ordained pastor, retired church planter, social media Ambassador and Influencer. In addition to currently serving on several local, state and National Boards and Commissions, Mrs. Weathers is the founder of several social clubs for women.
Eboney W. Weathers ~ “In October of 2022, my husband Larry had what would have been a fatal heart attack had it not been for the close proximity of their home to the hospital and the diligence and swift response of medical professionals. I almost lost my husband that Sunday afternoon to what many refer to as a ‘widow’s maker’ heart attack. After learning about the mission of the RURAL study, I knew I wanted to partner with such a phenomenal study for my community. I am extremely excited to serve on the Community Advisory Board.”
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