Kentucky State University launches mobile health units to reach ‘underserved’ communities

Kentucky Health News

Kentucky State University has launched two of three mobile health units as a way to bring accessible health care to local communities throughout Kentucky.

“We are very excited to launch these mobile health units and bring healthcare directly to underserved communities across the Commonwealth,” KSU President Koffi C. Akakpo said in a news release. 

The program launched one of the units at Family Health Centers in west Louisville on Thursday, Oct. 24 and at Hazard Community and Technical College on Friday, Oct. 25. The third unit will be launched in western Kentucky.

The mobile units are equipped to diagnose and treat metabolic syndrome, which includes hypertension, high blood glucose, abdominal obesity and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels — conditions that are known to increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

“Service offerings and locations have been decided based upon research conducted by KSU to assess programmatic needs within the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” according to the release, adding that KSU will work closely with local health care providers and partner organizations to best identify where to take the units.

The mobile health units will alternate between providing clinical health care and nutrition education that will focus on the idea of “food as medicine,” according to the release.

“These new mobile health units are about more than healthcare — they’re breaking down barriers to success,” Jefferson Community and Technical College President Ty Handy said in a news release. JCTC is one of KSU’s partners with the program. “By addressing critical health needs, we’re helping level the playing field for our community, empowering our neighbors to pursue education and rewarding careers. This initiative is a step toward a healthier, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”