NEWS RELEASE – September 05, 2023
ARH Sponsors New Senior Produce Voucher Program in Harlan County
September 05, 2023 – Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is sponsoring a new Senior Produce Voucher Program in Harlan County in partnership with Kentucky Homeplace. The program will provide 100 senior citizens with a $25 voucher to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at their local grocer, Roper’s Market. The program is set to target the senior population that may not typically get assistance to buy food from other sources.
“ARH Community Development works to build connections and partnerships in each community it serves, with the mission of making Appalachians healthier. This partnership with Kentucky Homeplace is a great way to get fresh fruit and vegetables into the hands of those that may not be able to purchase them on their limited income,” says Danielle Harmon, ARH Director of Community Development.
Harmon adds, “Our goal is improving health outcomes long-term. By supplying fresh fruit and produce, it will go a long way in doing that.”
The program will identify and enroll seniors in need of food assistance through the help of Kentucky Homeplace Certified Community Health Workers. Seniors that are 65 and older and food insecure can apply for the vouchers. Once the participant is enrolled, the Certified Health Workers will screen the participant for other health barriers and help the senior participant with referrals for medical needs, schedule preventative screenings, provide appropriate health education, and make home visits as needed.
“It’s been a blessing to help the people who are in this group. They are the group that falls in the gap and don’t receive as much assistance. When they visit the grocery store, they can’t afford to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables and it becomes a want more than a need. This program is helping with that! We’re hoping this program takes off and can be a permanent assistance for our seniors in Harlan County,” says Darla Shepherd, Certified Community Health Worker for Kentucky Homeplace.
Harlan County has the highest percentage of food insecurity in the state making programs like these crucial. In coming years, ARH hopes to partner with other non-profits to expand the program and the number of vouchers provided per family, allowing Kentucky Homeplace to begin tracking health outcomes such as decreases in hypertension and A1C over time.
For more information on the program or to inquire about enrollment, please contact Darla Shepherd at 606-574-0239.
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Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, and South Williamson in Kentucky and Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores and retail pharmacies. ARH employs more than 6,500 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $330 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 600 active and courtesy medical staff members. ARH is the largest provider of care and the single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia.