PIKEVILLE — The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) has received a $2 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to advance its mission of serving the region.

The funding is part of the ARC’s $68.2 million POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which supports economic diversification and revitalization efforts in Appalachian communities impacted by the decline of the coal industry.

UPIKE plans to use the funds to establish the Appalachian Center for Preventive Medicine (ACPM) in a 25,000-square-foot building in Prestonsburg, formerly home to Worldwide Equipment. The building was recently donated to UPIKE. The center, supported by the ARC-POWER grant, will focus on healthcare innovation and preventive care for communities in Eastern Kentucky.

The ACPM will bring together doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, and social workers to address key health issues in Floyd, Pike, Martin, Johnson, Magoffin and Lawrence counties, with a focus on conditions like heart disease, diabetes and chronic pain. The center will emphasize early intervention, screenings, and education to help reduce preventable conditions and improve health literacy.

The clinic, expected to open in 2025, aims to prevent heart attacks and strokes, manage diabetes before complications arise, and provide care that addresses both physical and mental health.

In addition to serving the community, the ACPM will serve as a training site for UPIKE students. Approximately 475 students will rotate through the center each year, gaining practical experience and learning the importance of teamwork in healthcare.

Lori Werth, Ph.D., UPIKE’s executive vice president and chief strategy officer, called the clinic a transformative leap in advancing preventive health in Eastern Kentucky.

“This clinic will empower our community to prioritize prevention, improving health outcomes and addressing long-standing health disparities in the region,” Werth said.