EKU and Anthem announce continuation of Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship
Kentucky Health News
Eastern Kentucky University and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky announced Wednesday, Jan. 29 a continuation of a scholarship aimed at increasing the number of frontline health care workers in Eastern Kentucky.
Anthem has committed an additional $100,000 to the Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship endowment, increasing the total investment at EKU to nearly $400,000 since the establishment of the partnership in 2021, according to a press release.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Anthem to offer students educational opportunities through the Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship,” Dr. David McFaddin, EKU president, said in the release. “The impact of the Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship cannot be overstated. The initiative improves college access and affordability as well as brings more local providers to Eastern Kentucky.”
According to the Kentucky Hospital Association’s 2024 Workforce Survey Report, Kentucky hospitals reported more than 8,000 vacancies across 14 professional groups in 2024. Nursing topped the list
with 16.5% of all nursing positions unfilled. Staffing shortages, coupled with the state’s high prevalence of multiple chronic conditions, reinforce the need to expand the health care workforce in the commonwealth.
Including this year’s three recipients, 16 EKU students have been awarded the Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship. The 2025 recipients are Christa Ann Carlin, Chassidy Paige Keeton and Morgan Elizabeth Hamilton.
The announcement builds on Anthem’s partnerships with several other colleges and universities across the state, including Hazard Community & Technical College, Murray State University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University.
Since 2021, Anthem has invested nearly $1 million to expand education and access to rural health care across the commonwealth, according to the release.
“Anthem is committed to closing the gap in health disparities and supporting Kentucky’s workforce through the implementation of innovative solutions that can reinvent health care across the state,” Dr. Lori Caloia, medical director of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky, said in the release.