When Pineville, Ky. native Amber Bailey, a registered nurse at Barbourville ARH Hospital, learned she had stage four cholangiocarcinoma, she knew she had to fight this terminal cancer for her three children. What Amber didn’t know was her ARH co-workers would form an army to join her in the fight.

“Getting news that you have terminal cancer is beyond anything you can imagine,” shares Bailey. “As a registered nurse, I understand it medically, but as a single mom of three, I can’t accept that it’s happening to me. That’s why I am fighting this horrible disease with all my might, and I’m so grateful that my ARH family is fighting with me.”

Danielle Franklin Harmon is the Community Outreach Manager of the Big Sandy region of Appalachian Regional Healthcare. With about a decade of experience working with the community development and outreach, Danielle is committed to bettering her community. Most of the time, she says, that takes the form of health and wellness initiatives. 

“We conduct a community health needs assessment and make a goal of what we want to do for the next three years. Then, I work for those next three years to make sure that we meet our goals for community health and wellness.” Eastern Kentucky, where Danielle’s programs are enacted, is largely an impoverished area with a huge need for preventative screenings and health education. “When it comes to health and wellness, many people in my area don’t take care of themselves the way that they should. My job is to create new programs in school systems, in civic organizations, and in the community, trying to bring people together for health and wellness education, and to create a better community.” Read more…

Twice a year, students from across the region are invited to apply for the Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Scholars program. The ARH Scholars are awarded a $5,000 academic scholarship to pursue a degree in healthcare. Their stories are unique, but a common thread unites every winner: a desire to make a difference to the people of Appalachia through healthcare. The Fall 2019 class of ARH Scholars included ten talented future healthcare providers, like Cole Parker Williams.

Cole is a senior at Knott County Central High School. His main focus is his studies, which is why he’s maintained great grades and attended AP classes, in addition to being part of the archery, tennis, and golf teams. Throughout his schooling this far, Cole says his mother has been his biggest mentor and inspiration. As a librarian at Knott County Central, she’s always encouraged him at school. “My mom really pushed me in my education. She’s helped me see the value of getting good grades, she’s helped make sure that I’m in good, positive friend groups, and helped ensure that I have fun at school.” Read more…

Twice a year, students from across the region are invited to apply for the Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Scholars program. The ARH Scholars are awarded a $5,000 academic scholarship to pursue a degree in healthcare. Their stories are unique, but a common thread unites every winner: a desire to make a difference to the people of Appalachia through healthcare. The Fall 2019 class of ARH Scholars included ten talented future healthcare providers, like Abigail Hamilton.

Abigail was born and raised in Barbourville and is now at Union College working toward her nursing degree. “I have two years left at Union, and then I plan on going straight on to the University of the Cumberlands to become a nurse practitioner. That program is a little over two years long.” Read more…

Twice a year, students from across the region are invited to apply for the Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Scholars program. The ARH Scholars are awarded a $5,000 academic scholarship to pursue a degree in healthcare. Their stories are unique, but a common thread unites every winner: a desire to make a difference to the people of Appalachia through healthcare. The Fall 2019 class of ARH Scholars included ten talented future healthcare providers, like Montana Blair.

Montana Blair is finishing up her last semester at Alice Lloyd College as a biology pre-med student. She has already been accepted to the University of Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine, and is starting classes at UPIKE this summer, with the goal of graduating as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in 2024. Read more…