Regional Leaders Unite to Launch New Health and Wellness Collaboration Across Northeast Kentucky
GRAYSON, KY – Community leaders from across Northeast Kentucky have joined together to establish a new regional partnership focused on improving health outcomes, expanding access to services, and strengthening the overall well-being of residents throughout the FIVCO region.
The newly formed Northeast Kentucky Health & Wellness Alliance brings together healthcare providers, public health agencies, social service organizations, and community development leaders to address the complex challenges affecting the health and prosperity of the region.
Convened by FIVCO Area Development District, the collaborative includes representatives from the Ashland-Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, and Lawrence County Health Departments; UK King’s Daughters; Three Rivers Medical Center; Pathways, Inc.; Ramey-Estep/Re-group; PrimaryPlus; Hillcrest-Bruce Mission; Family Resource and Youth Service Centers (FRYSC) Region 7; and other regional partners committed to improving quality of life throughout Northeast Kentucky.
The alliance was formed in recognition that many of the region’s most pressing challenges—including chronic disease, substance use disorder, mental health concerns, workforce participation, housing instability, transportation barriers, and access to care—require coordinated solutions that extend beyond the capabilities of any single organization.
“Improving health outcomes requires more than healthcare alone,” said Lance Hanshaw, Executive Director of FIVCO Area Development District. “The factors that influence health are deeply connected to economic opportunity, education, housing, transportation, and community support systems. By bringing organizations together around a common table, we can better align resources, reduce duplication, and pursue meaningful regional solutions.”
The collaborative will focus on identifying shared priorities, developing regional strategies, supporting grant opportunities, sharing data and best practices, and advocating for initiatives that improve both community health and economic well-being.
Among the alliance’s initial areas of focus are behavioral health and recovery support services, workforce development, rural healthcare access, healthy community initiatives, transportation coordination, and efforts to address the social determinants of health throughout the region.
The initiative also builds upon ongoing regional efforts, including Recovery Ready Community designations, substance use recovery initiatives, community health improvement planning, economic development strategies, and partnerships aimed at strengthening the region’s long-term resilience.
“The challenges facing our communities do not stop at county lines,” said Luke Stapleton, Director of Community & Economic Development at FIVCO Area Development District. “Neither should our solutions. This collaboration represents a commitment by regional partners to work together in a more intentional and coordinated manner to improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across Northeast Kentucky.”
The alliance will continue meeting regularly throughout the year as members establish organizational priorities, identify collaborative projects, and develop a long-term framework for advancing health and wellness across the region.
Organizations interested in learning more about the initiative or participating in future discussions are encouraged to contact FIVCO Area Development District.
Media Contact
Luke Stapleton
Director of Community & Economic Development
FIVCO Area Development District
32 FIVCO Court
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 929-1366
luke@fivco.org
