Across rural Kentucky, a new workforce is rising to support families affected by substance use disorder. In this episode of The Bridge, host Amelia Holliday explores the RISE program at the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health—an innovative training initiative designed to strengthen support for individuals and families impacted by opioid and substance use disorders (OUD and SUD).

Amelia sits down with RISE Rural Project Manager and Apprenticeship Coordinator Josh Adams and Jordan Winchester, residential coordinator for Beacons of Hope, a key community partner. Together, they discuss how RISE combines dual certifications and hands-on apprenticeships to prepare participants to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.

Their conversation reveals how partnerships like these are helping grow a recovery-focused workforce rooted in rural communities.

For more information about RISE and how to get involved, contact Josh Adams at Joshua.Adams21@uky.edu.

Learn more about Beacons of Hope at https://beaconsofhope.net/

The statements and opinions in The Bridge do not necessarily represent the UK CERH, the KORH, its affiliates, or funding agencies. The Bridge is funded in part by federal grant funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration Primary Care Office.

"On Repeat"
Music by: Bensound
License code: JMCT6IEO8SA1C5SL

Rural health care thrives when communities lead with heart, innovation, and a commitment to their neighbors. In this episode of The Bridge, host Amelia Holliday heads to Western Kentucky to shine a light on Ohio County Healthcare, Kentucky’s 2025 Community Star Award recipient, in honor of National Rural Health Day.

We take a closer look at what sets OCH apart, from their nationally recognized patient experience to their Mobile Access Clinic, expanded behavioral health services, and forward-thinking specialty care. Their story reflects what’s possible when a rural health system stays rooted in community and dedicated to meeting people where they are.

Through conversations and on-the-ground insight, we explore how Ohio County Healthcare is strengthening local health, advancing rural innovation, and proving that high-quality care can flourish close to home.

Learn more about Ohio County Healthcare on their website or through their Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.

The statements and opinions in The Bridge do not necessarily represent the UK CERH, the KORH, its affiliates, or funding agencies. The Bridge is funded in part by federal grant funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration Primary Care Office.

"On Repeat"
Music by: Bensound
License code: JMCT6IEO8SA1C5SL

What does rural health look like for veterans—and how can communities come together to meet their needs? In this episode of The Bridge, host Amelia Holliday visits Camp Graves in Graves County, KY, to learn how this unique program is supporting veterans and community members facing houselessness, health challenges, and the transition to civilian life. We explore how Camp Graves' efforts and rural health initiatives, like Camp Rendezvous and Operation Wellness, are helping veterans find healing, stability, and purpose close to home.

Learn more about Camp Graves on their website, on Facebook, or contact the office directly at info@campgraves.org!

The statements and opinions in The Bridge do not necessarily represent the UK CERH, the KORH, its affiliates, or funding agencies. The Bridge is funded in part by federal grant funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration Primary Care Office.

"On Repeat"
Music by: Bensound
License code: JMCT6IEO8SA1C5SL

In this special crossover episode of The Bridge Podcast and EMS One-Stop, we’re teaming up to talk leadership, legacy, and the future of EMS. Host Amelia Holliday, EMS One-Stop host Rob Lawrence (EMS1), and KORH EMS Specialist Scott Helle join forces to explore how Kentucky is investing in the next generation of EMS leaders through the Kentucky EMS Leadership Academy.

From the day-to-day challenges in the field to the bigger-picture thinking happening behind the scenes, this episode dives into what it takes to lead in EMS today. Whether you’re out on calls or helping shape policy and culture, there’s something here for everyone!

Make sure to check out EMS One-Stop to hear more from Rob about the world of EMS, and follow him on X @UKROBL1.

For more information about EMS work going on across the Commonwealth, contact KORH's Scott Helle at scott.helle@uky.edu, follow KORH on Facebook or LinkedIn, and sign up for our monthly EMS newsletter "EMS Table Talks."

The statements and opinions in The Bridge do not necessarily represent the UK CERH, the KORH, its affiliates, or funding agencies. The Bridge is funded in part by federal grant funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration Primary Care Office.

"On Repeat"
Music by: Bensound
License code: JMCT6IEO8SA1C5SL

What do heart and lung health look like in rural America—and how do we study it? In this episode of The Bridge, host Amelia Holliday talks with Dr. Stephanie D. Boone, MPH, from the RURAL Heart and Lung Study to explore their work across the South and Appalachia. Learn how this ambitious study is shining a light on the unique health challenges rural communities face—and what it could mean for the future of rural care.

Follow the Kentucky leg of the RURAL Heart and Lung Study on Facebook and Instagram, or call 1-888-787-2578 for more information and to see how you can participate!

The statements and opinions in The Bridge do not necessarily represent the UK CERH, the KORH, its affiliates, or funding agencies. The Bridge is funded in part by federal grant funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration Primary Care Office.

"On Repeat"
Music by: Bensound
License code: JMCT6IEO8SA1C5SL

Student debt shouldn’t stand in the way of quality health care for rural communities. In this episode of The Bridge, we explore how the Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program (KSLRP) and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) help providers pay off debt while committing to serve where they’re needed most.

Join host Amelia Holliday as we dive into the impact of these programs with Kentucky Office of Rural Health (KORH) Rural Project Manager Janice Vance, hear real stories from an NHSC participant, and discuss how KSLRP and NHSC are shaping the future of rural health care in Kentucky.

For more information about KSLRP, click here.

For more information about NHSC, click here.

The statements and opinions in The Bridge do not necessarily represent the UK CERH, the KORH, its affiliates, or funding agencies. The Bridge is funded in part by federal grant funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration Primary Care Office.

"On Repeat"
Music by: Bensound
License code: JMCT6IEO8SA1C5SL

The Bridge Podcast is back—straight from the 2024 Rural Health Clinic Summit!

RHCs are more than just providers—they’re pillars of their communities, ensuring access to essential care where it’s needed most. In anticipation of the 2025 RHC Summit (scheduled for August 14&15 in Lexington, Ky.), this special episode brings you conversations with four incredible speakers from the summit, each with a unique perspective on the challenges and innovations shaping rural health care today.

Host Amelia Holliday sits down with these leaders in the RHC field to talk about everything from workforce shortages to financial sustainability, telehealth advancements, and policy shifts that are making waves in the world of rural health. These are the voices of the people working with and for RHCs, and their insights could change the way we think about rural health care.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

• Blue & Co. RHC Specialist & Manager Amanda Dennison – 06:20
• NARHC Executive Director Nathan Baugh – 18:35
• Kentucky Commissioner for the Dept. of Medicaid Services Lisa Lee – 38:00
• North American Healthcare Management Services President & CEO Charles James – 52:32

For more information about the 2025 RHC Summit, contact KORH Senior Project Manager Medina Tipton.

The statements and opinions in The Bridge do not necessarily represent the UK CERH, the KORH, its affiliates, or funding agencies. The Bridge is funded in part by federal grant funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration Primary Care Office.

"On Repeat"
Music by: Bensound
License code: JMCT6IEO8SA1C5SL

The Bridge Podcast is back, where stories of survival and revival take center stage! Today, we’re talking about a small town hospital with a big heart—Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH)—a lifeline that almost slipped away but found its way back through sheer determination.

Host Amelia Holliday talks with CCMH CEO Kim Haverly about how she and her staff were able to bring this critical access hospital (CAH) back from the brink of closure to become a thriving community asset. With such an inspiring story, it's no surprise that CCMH was chosen as Kentucky's 2024 Community Star, a title awarded annually to a person or organization who makes a difference in their rural communities.

For more information about Carroll County Memorial Hospital, check out their website.

To learn more about the 2024 Community Stars and National Rural Health Day (NRHD), go to PowerorRural.org.

The statements and opinions in The Bridge do not necessarily represent the UK CERH, the KORH, its affiliates, or funding agencies. The Bridge is funded in part by federal grant funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration Primary Care Office.

"On Repeat"
Music by: Bensound
License code: JMCT6IEO8SA1C5SL