U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Morehead State University (MSU) with a $235,620 Rural Health Care Grant to continue to bring community wellness and health care services to Martin County. This program is part of an ongoing rural health demonstration program launched by Rogers and begun at the Roy F. Collier Community Center in Inez.

“This is great news for the people of Martin County,” said Rogers. “By providing new resources to focus on preventative health care, the community will now be better equipped to address the health care problems that have plagued our region for far too long. MSU is leading the way with this rural demonstration initiative and these new funds will put our efforts on the road and to the front door of Martin County communities. Taking the time to invest in health education, prevention and detection will go a long way to improving the health and well-being of our families.”

MSU will use the funds to continue the “Martin County on the Move” health outreach demonstration program initiated by Rogers in 2008 and to launch a new effort aimed at overcoming health care barriers such as accessibility and affordability. This targeted and comprehensive project works with community leaders, schools and businesses to draw attention to healthy lifestyle choices and combat the region’s high rate of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The funds will be used to launch a mobile prevention and wellness van, create health assessment, fitness and exercise and disease prevention events. To date, Rogers has secured $1,015,620 in funding for this important initiative.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important projects in the Fifth Congressional district.