Celebrating the Power of Rural on National Rural Health Day

Graduates of Healthy WAY and the Community Leadership Institute of Kentucky (CLIK) were honored by the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH) on National Rural Health Day, November 18, 2021.  Six CLIK graduates and four graduates of Healthy WAY showcased their research projects during a hybrid event with over 40 people attending.

Healthy WAY is a leadership development and research training program designed to empower rural Kentucky high school students with skills to identify and develop solutions to health and social issues at the school and community level.  Student-led teams address real world concerns youth are facing today that impact their health and well-being.  Project funding, hands-on research experience, technical support and research mentoring are available to student teams selected for this competitive program.  Healthy WAY was established in 2019 as a signature program of the UK CERH.

CLIK is a leadership development training program offered by the UK CCTS Community Engagement and Research Program and the UK CERH. The Institute is designed to enhance community research and capacity-building competencies in community leaders, directors, and administrators.

“National Rural Health Day was the perfect occasion to recognize the passion and commitment of our many dedicated rural health professionals across the state, including our own “excellence in action” team,” said Dr. Fran Feltner, director of the UK CERH.  Feltner emceed the event and read National Rural Health Day proclamations that were issued by U.S. President Joe Biden and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.