Empowering Local Solutions for Health
The Community Engagement and Research Core connects community, clinical, and academic partners in community-engaged research to address priority health needs and improve health outcomes in Kentucky and Appalachia.

Joshua Paschal is a student, football player, and cancer survivor here at UK. This summer, he's joined us for an internship and is making a series of videos promoting health and wellness. Check out his first video about how face coverings keep us safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

After retiring as a teacher and learning she was pre-diabetic at age 57, Mary Beth Castle lost 81 pounds and began a new career as a Community Health Educator in Johnson County, Kentucky. A Community Seed Grant from the CCTS allowed her to continue and grow the "Fall into Fitness" diabetes education and prevention outreach events, where participants get their A1C levels checked and take a self-paced walk together. Anyone who is pre-diabetic gets a personal phone call from Mary Beth, inviting them to participate in a free, CDC-recognized diabetes prevention program.

Martin County has been experiencing a water crisis for decades, with the 8th highest cost of water in the state. A participant of the CCTS Community Leadership Institute of Kentucky co-authored a report how residents, many of whom can’t afford their water bills, are impacted.
Making a Difference
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Participants in the Community Leadership Institute of Kentucky
17.7:1
ROI on Appalachian Translational Research Network Grants
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Appalachian Counties Impacted by the Community Leadership Institute of Kentucky