Simple Changes: Fighting Chronic Illness in Appalachian Kentucky
Richmond, KY, 2002
WEKU and the Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center are partnering on a year- long project to improve the quality of care for the chronically ill in the Appalachian counties of Kentucky. Contrary to national trends, people in this region continue to experience disturbingly high rate of chronic illness, especially heart and lung diseases asthma and diabetes. For example, heart disease mortality rates in this area are 115 to 220 percent greater than the national average.
To explore this critical health issue, WEKU produced four first-person audio diaries, providing listeners with an intimate look at how the chronically ill and their caregivers cope with daily life challenges. In addition, the station aired seven in-depth news reports on chronic illnesses, five live call-in programs connecting listeners with experts on specific chronic illness and caregiving issues, a concluding one-hour documentary, and an interview with Kentucky's governor who is a doctor and his wife who is a nurse.
The Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center conducted health screenings and distributed chronic disease information through four community health fairs. Medical center staff provided information for topical brochures and the project website, complementing the audio diaries and news reports. They have also facilitated the establishment of local support groups for greater long-term impact for disease sufferers and caregivers.
Armed with accurate and personal information about the effects of chronic disease on people's lives, civic and government leaders can take a more informed and positive approach to dealing with medical issues affecting Appalachian Kentucky. Likewise for patients and their families, who will be motivated to take a more active role in maintaining or restoring their own health because of radio features and outreach activities.
Contact Information
WEKU/WEKH-FM
John Gregory, Assistant Manager
Tel: 859-622-1657
Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center
Florence Tandy, Director of Development
Tel: 859-625-3602