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Well Child Services now available at the Martin County Health Department
BY DOROTHY DILLON The Martin County Health Department is now offering Well Child Services through the EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment) program. This free healthcare program is designed for children and teens under the age of 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid. Services include regular checkups, immunizations, vision and dental screenings, developmental
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Healthy Happenings: Diabetes Prevention Program now enrolling
BY DOROTHY DILLON Ready to take charge of your health? Join the Diabetes Prevention Program at the Martin County Health Department — a 100% virtual program designed to help you lose 3–5% of your total body weight through small, achievable lifestyle changes. Whether you are looking to prevent type 2 diabetes, just lose weight or
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Four new measles cases reported in Kentucky
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT FRANKFORT— Kentucky health officials reported four new cases of measles this week, bringing the state’s total to six confirmed infections so far this year, as national outbreaks continue to climb. Three of the new cases occurred in a single household in Woodford County. The fourth case, in Todd County, involved an individual
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A conversation with Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s new health cabinet secretary
by Sarah Ladd Kentucky Lantern June 23, 2025 FRANKFORT — Dr. Steven Stack says Kentucky, which already struggles with poor health, is “on the cusp of having a significant backslide” if the federal government cuts programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Stack, who on July 1 will shift roles from the state’s public health commissioner to
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Healthy Happenings: WIC supports moms and children
BY DOROTHY DILLON The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program helps pregnant women, new moms and young children eat well, stay healthy and thrive. Through WIC, families receive healthy foods, nutrition guidance and breastfeeding support—all designed to give children a strong start. Benefits can be used at local stores, and the WIC Shopper app makes
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Two infant deaths in Kentucky tied to whooping cough
FRANKFORT — Two infants in Kentucky have died from whooping cough—or pertussis—marking the first deaths linked to the disease in the state since 2018, health officials said Friday. Neither of the infants nor their mothers had received the recommended vaccinations during pregnancy or early infancy, according to the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH). Officials
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Healthy Happenings: Family Fun Wellness Fair – A Community Celebration of Health and Fun
BY DOROTHY DILLON The Martin County Health Department is excited to invite the community to our Family Fun Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 31 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Martin County Library. This free event is packed with exciting activities, performances, wellness resources and giveaways for all ages. The fair will feature
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Experts: Loss of federal mining program could harm workers, researchers
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE Loss of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Mining Program will reverse decades of progress in preventing disease, injury and death among miners, experts said. Around 150 researchers are expected to be laid off next month, effectively shuttering the program. Steve Schafrik, associate professor of mine engineering
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Poll: Belief in false measles claims correlated with lower vaccination rates
BY JENNIFER SHUTT Kentucky Lantern WASHINGTON — Americans are increasingly unsure what to believe about measles as an outbreak spreads throughout the country, according to a survey released Wednesday by the nonpartisan health research organization KFF. The poll shows that nearly a quarter of those asked believe a commonly repeated false claim that getting a child
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Free webinar about red meat allergy; Kentucky ranks among top states for condition
BY JORDAN STRICKLER UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY In response to rising concerns and increasing numbers of individuals impacted by Alpha-Gal Syndrome, also known as red meat allergy, the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment will host a free statewide webinar on May 29. Alpha-Gal Syndrome is triggered primarily by bites from the
