Health Center Cluster

Funded in January of 2006, North Fork Valley Community Health Center (NFVCHC) was established as a result of a cooperative effort between the University of Kentucky College of Medicine (UK COM) Department of Family and Community Medicine-Hazard, KY (a residency program and Family Medicine clinic) and a dedicated group of citizens who recognized the immense need for accessible primary health care services for the rural, low income, and uninsured Appalachian residents of Perry and Knott counties in southeastern Kentucky. The designated service area includes five census tracts each in Perry and Knott counties, as well as an adjoining census tract in Leslie County. The eleven census tracts contain a 2006-2010 estimated population of 38,631and encompass three Medically Underserved Areas/Populations (MUA/P) and two Federal Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA). UK NFVCHC operates from two facilities in Perry and adjoining Knott County, both of which offer a full complement of primary, preventive, dental and mental health services. Our mission is to improve the health of the community by promoting access to quality health care services: including clinical, educational, and disease prevention services.A combination of geographical, cultural, and financial barriers have prohibited local residents from obtaining necessary health care. There are high levels of poverty (54% at 200% of federal poverty level within our service area), and elevated unemployment rates (13% as of 7/12). Decades of entrenched, persistent poverty further complicate the treatment and management of those chronic conditions (diabetes, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease) that disproportionately afflict our population and result in excessive mortality and morbidity rates. Our areas most vulnerable populations (women, children and the elderly) also face significant obstacles to accessing care, and these populations have historically lacked access to health education and preventive programs, as well as regular primary care, mental health, and dental visits.