Kentucky

In Kentucky, PHEP supports a CDC field scientist who works with local staff to improve surveillance, strengthen outbreak response, conduct epidemiologic investigations, and develop the public health workforce. On August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse passed through several U.S. states, including Kentucky. In preparation, the CDC scientist, with local partners, supervised development of a surveillance system that monitored health issues commonly associated with mass outdoor gatherings, like gastrointestinal illness, heat-related illness, and injuries. There was an influx of an estimated 116.500 visitors to the area, and with the system, public health staff could identify any outbreaks in near real-time and respond quickly.

In December 2016, the Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Kentucky Pharmacists Association partnered with county health departments to train community members to recognize overdose symptoms and administer naloxone. Naloxone is a medicine that can prevent death from opioid overdose. Once trained, community members receive naloxone kits from the state’s PHEP funded mobile pharmacy to use if they encounter someone suffering from an overdose. In about a year, the mobile pharmacy has been present at about 26 events. More than 1,200 community members received naloxone kits and training, ensuring that they have the skills and medicine to save lives.