Lexington, KY —Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) announced the official launch of its new Lifestyle Medicine Service Line at the ARH Hazard Clinic, making ARH the first health system in Kentucky to establish a formal Lifestyle Medicine program and one of only a few in rural America.

During a grand‑opening event on January 22, attended by ARH leadership, clinicians, community partners, and members of the media, leaders emphasized the significance of this milestone for both the system and the region.

“We are grateful to have so many partners and supporters with us today as we officially launch ARH’s Lifestyle Medicine Service Line,” said Nika Larian, Vice President of Wellness. “This is not an add‑on to an existing clinic visit but a dedicated service line with its own providers, time, and resources that is designed to support prevention, whole‑person care, and long‑term health outcomes. We are incredibly proud to bring this level of innovation to rural Kentucky.”

ARH Chief Ambulatory Officer Roy Milwee emphasized that the launch reflects a broader strategy to improve health outcomes across Appalachia.

“Appalachian Regional Healthcare has always been committed to improving health and well‑being across rural Appalachia, particularly in communities that face significant barriers to care,” Milwee said. “Rural communities experience higher rates of chronic disease, poorer health outcomes, and fewer preventive resources. That means we must think differently about how healthcare is delivered.”

Milwee noted that ARH has invested heavily in prevention in recent years, including nutrition, physical activity, workforce wellness, and community programs such as Food Is Medicine. The new service line, he added, represents the next step in that evolution.

“The Lifestyle Medicine Service Line builds on this work by bringing evidence‑based principles directly into clinical care in a structured and sustainable way,” he said. “It aligns with our long‑term vision around value‑based care, workforce sustainability, and innovation. We are committed to ensuring that rural communities have access to the same forward‑looking models of care that are often limited to large, urban health systems, and today is only the first of many Lifestyle Medicine clinics across our system.”

Dr. Robin Magnani, ARH Regional Chief Medical Officer, who provided a clinical overview at the opening, explained how lifestyle medicine differs from traditional models.

“Lifestyle medicine is an evidence‑based specialty focused on preventing, treating, and in many cases reversing chronic disease,” Dr. Magnani said. “Rather than managing symptoms alone, lifestyle medicine addresses the root causes of disease through sustainable, long‑term behavior change.”

Magnani noted that the ARH program was designed to align with national best practices and incorporates the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connection.

“Allie Davidson, our Lifestyle Medicine provider, has completed specialized training and credentialing through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine,” she added. “Her expertise ensures that our patients receive high‑quality, evidence‑based care tailored to their needs.”

Allie Davidson, APRN, the Lifestyle Medicine provider and a Perry County native, shared her passion for delivering this service close to home.

“I feel incredibly blessed to bring this resource to our patients, our employees, and the community here in Southeastern Kentucky,” Davidson said. “In this clinic, we focus on the whole person. We take time to build relationships, understand each patient’s goals, and design individualized plans that support sustainable health and longevity.”

She emphasized that the program complements a patient’s existing care team.

“This service line works in close partnership with primary care and specialty providers. Whether we’re improving disease markers or reducing long‑term risk, our care plans meet patients where they are. As someone who grew up here, I am committed to supporting the people of this region and helping this service line grow across the ARH system.”

The Hazard clinic will serve as a pilot location, with plans to expand the Lifestyle Medicine Service Line throughout ARH’s ambulatory network in the coming years.

“This launch positions ARH at the forefront of preventive, patient‑centered care—not only in Kentucky but in rural America,” Milwee said. “Today marks the beginning of something truly transformational for the communities we serve.”