Paintsville, KY –  ARH and the Johnson County Health Department hosted a Tuesday dinner date for Johnson County first responders. As part of ARH’s Heart Healthy Dinner Series, the evening celebrated first responders and highlighted the importance of heart health and self-care.

Danielle Harmon, Community Development Director for ARH, comments, “First responders often prioritize the health and wellbeing of others and are the backbone of community safety. We wanted to host an event that shows our appreciation for them but also gives them the opportunity and encouragement to care for their own health.”

Approximately 40 first responders enjoyed a heart-healthy dinner provided by Angie Gamble Music, a culinary arts teacher and caterer, and the Johnson Central High School culinary arts students. The entertainment for the evening was provided by Paintsville’s own Adalyn Ramey, 13-year-old singer, songwriter, and musician who has had seven singles reach the Top 20 bluegrass and gospel music charts in the past year..

Almost 20 vendors were there in support of first responders, offering stroke risk assessments, EKGs, A1Cs, hands-only CPR training, community resources, and more.

Dr. Karen Gooslin, ARH physician, was the featured guest speaker. She shared her personal struggles with cardiac disease, which was first diagnosed when she was in her early 30s. Dr. Gooslin cautioned first responders that youth is not always an indicator of good health or an absence of cardiac disease. She pointed out that both doctors and first responders often work long hours and do not always prioritize their own well-being. She urged them to pay attention to their bodies, manage stress effectively, and get preventive screenings.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare has made community health education and free clinical screenings a priority to better the health of our communities. Over the past six months, over 1500 community-based clinical screenings, free to the public, have been provided in our service area. 

Pictured: Heather Samons, Regional Community Development Manager: Lori Burgess, Cardiovascular Service Line Director, Jamie Robinette, Chest Pain Coordinator and Robin Baldridge, System Cardiovascular Quality Coordinator