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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear announces funds for Rural Wellness Center
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Steve Beshear today announced a Local Government Economic Development (LGED) Multi-County grant to Knox and Bell counties to support the development of the Appalachian Rural Wellness Initiative and the Robert Stivers II Appalachian Rural Wellness Initiative (ARWI) Wellness Center.
The LGED funds, totaling $750,000, will enable the construction on the ARWI Wellness Center, a $7.2 million facility that is being designed as a recreational, service, study and learning center.
“Improving the health of citizens in eastern Kentucky is of the utmost importance,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have worked hard through programs like our pediatric dental initiative and Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) to make sure that all our children have the proper health resources they need. The Appalachian Rural Wellness Initiative Wellness Center will be another way to improve the wellbeing of Kentuckians through both physical activity and health education.”
The center will offer a variety of wellness programs for all ages, including an aquatics program targeting area youth. The center will be located in Barbourville and is anticipated to serve several thousand people annually throughout counties contiguous to Knox.
“It’s possible to achieve optimal health and wellness by taking steps like eating well and getting plenty of exercise,” said Health and Family Services Cabinet Secretary Janie Miller. “Communities have a role to play as well by creating environments necessary to live a long, healthy life. A rural wellness center will help put the citizens of Knox and Bell counties on the road to wellness for years to come.”
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