Lexington, KY – ARH is proud to announce the establishment of a new systemwide Wellness division, bringing together community health, employee wellness, Lifestyle Medicine, and diabetes education initiatives into one coordinated strategy advancing nutrition, physical activity, and prevention to address the root causes of chronic disease. The division strengthens ARH’s commitment to whole‑person health and supports long‑term health goals across Central Appalachia.

“ARH has long been committed to serving our communities, and the creation of a unified Wellness division strengthens our ability to make a lasting impact,” said Roy Milwee, Chief Ambulatory Officer. “By bringing together leaders who are already doing incredible work, we are advancing innovative approaches that help individuals, families, and communities live healthier lives.”

As previously announced, Nika Larian has been named Vice President of Wellness and will lead the new division. In this role, she oversees the Lifestyle Medicine service line and guides the integration of clinical care, workforce wellbeing, and community partnerships into a unified wellness strategy. Her work supports ARH’s Food Is Medicine approach and continued focus on prevention‑based care.

Aligned within the Wellness division is a leadership team whose work includes employees, patients, and communities:

• Danielle Harmon, Senior Director of Community Health & Impact, leads systemwide efforts to address social health issues, reduce disparities, and improve community health. Her team delivers nearly 400 community education and screening events each year and leads initiatives such as the Farmer Care Initiative and Nourish to Flourish: Food Is Medicine for Recovery.
• Erin Day, Director of Employee Wellness, oversees programs designed to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of ARH’s workforce. With nearly 20 years of experience at ARH, she leads initiatives including wellness and financial education, employee gardens, wellness events, and Benefit & Wellness Fairs that now reach approximately half of all employees annually.
• Ashley Webb, System Diabetes Coordinator, leads diabetes education and prevention efforts. Her work includes coordinating diabetes education programs, overseeing the Diabetes Connection support groups in both Kentucky and West Virginia, and partnering with community organizations to expand screenings and prevention initiatives.
• Allie Davidson, Clinical Service Line Director and provider for Lifestyle Medicine, expands Lifestyle Medicine services through patient care, education, and community outreach. She works closely with departments and community partners to provide education that supports healthier lifestyles, longevity, and disease prevention.

The formation of the Wellness division represents an important step forward in aligning ARH’s prevention, employee well-being, and community health efforts. By bringing together experienced leaders and existing programs under one umbrella, ARH is strengthening its ability to improve health outcomes across the region.