Community Programs

Qualified health department staff are available to provide community programming to interested groups on a variety of health topics.  The programs listed below are established and available as noted.

HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Development Series )is a free, voluntary intensive home visiting program for first-time parents.  Trained home visitors offer support throughout the pregnancy and after delivery; provide information on baby care, safety and child development, introduce activities for parent-child interaction and connects family to appropriate community resources. If you or someone you know is expecting, please contact Carol Chumley, RN, Hands Coordinator at 859-734-4522 ext 140 or Rheda Mayes 859-734-4522 ext 143.

The 8-hour comprehensive course sanctioned by the Kentucky Department of Public Health is offered on a quarterly basis at no charge.

The 2008 schedule:

January 15,22,29       2:30 pm-5:00 pm

April 15,22,29           5:30 pm- 8:00 pm

July 15,22,29            5:30 pm- 8:00 pm

October 14,21,28       2:30 pm- 5:00 pm

To register call Kathy Crown-Weber, RD, CDE at 734-4521. Class series may be cancelled for lack of enrollment. Free.

The diabetes support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, from 11-12 noon. (Group does not meet June, July and August) The location rotates between community partners dedicated to diabetes education: Haggin Hospital, The Cooperative Extension Service and Mercer County Health Department.  Topics presented to the group include diabetes disease process, healthy eating, being active, monitoring, taking medications, and preventing complications. A newsletter is sent to all people interested in learning more about diabetes.  To sign up for the newsletter, call Kathy Crown-Weber RD, CDE at 734-4522 ext 123. Free.

Offered in conjunction with Boyle, Lincoln, and Garrard County Health Departments, training is provided to community child care providers on a variety of vital health and child development topics.

Offered in conjunction with the Mercer County Cooperative Extension Service, this walking program is offered annually in the Spring and provides structure and incentives for those interested in improving health through physical activity. Free.

Yoga classes are offered on a regular basis.  Call Emily Steer at 859-734-4522 ext 147 for class schedule. Free.

Mercer County Health Department offers Chair Volleyball through the Mercer County Senior Citizens Center.  Call Mercer County Senior Citizens Angela Russell, Director at 859-734-5185 for game schedule. Free