By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News   The new, easy-to-remember 988 behavioral-health crisis hotline took 220 calls on the first weekend it went live in Kentucky, according to Gov. Andy Beshear, marking a 30% increase over the former 800-272-8255 number, which still works. “Calling or texting this number will connect Kentuckians facing risk of suicide,…

by Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News   With 113 of the state’s 120 counties with an elevated risk from coronavirus on the latest weekly risk map Thursday, it’s no wonder that Gov. Andy Beshear sounded the alarm that “Covid is spreading” and strongly urged the state’s seniors to get booster vaccinations. Beshear noted at least…

Kentucky Health News map shows counties in study; click it to enlarge. By Elizabeth Chapin University of Kentucky The $87 million study to find the best ways to battle the opioid epidemic at the local level in Kentucky is expanding to more communities across the state. The second wave of the University of Kentucky’s HEALing Communities…

By Penn State Health Summer has arrived and with it so have dreams of beach vacations, trips to the waterpark and outdoor activities. After months of winter’s colder temperatures, you’re ready to get outside in search of that warm feel of sun on your skin and the resulting “healthy glow.” Sure, the sun feels good,…

By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News   Starting Saturday, July 16, the new behavioral-health crisis hotline number will be 988, much like 911 for medical crises and other emergencies. “It’s substance use, mental health, and suicide — so all of the continuum of care,”  Beck Whipple, suicide-prevention coordinator for the state Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental and…

MARK BURDEN | Bluegrass Narcotic Task Force  The Bluegrass Narcotic Task Force (comprised of members from Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Cynthiana Police Department, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and Paris Police Department) and Kentucky State Police (KSP) performed a multi-county arrest detail focusing on 22 narcotics traffickers. This operation was further supported by Kentucky State Police,…

By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News As coronavirus cases continue to tick up in Kentucky, a new Omicron subvariant, reported to be the most transmissible yet, is now dominant in the U.S., and wastewater testing in Louisville confirms that it’s the dominant strain there too. “Viruses are smart,” Dr. Mark Burns, assistant professor of infectious…

By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Public-health officials say ticks are emerging earlier and staying active longer because of changes in climate and land use, resulting in a rising risk of infection carried by the parasites. “There are more tick-borne disease cases every year,” Dr. John Aucott, director of the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Clinical…

Fire destroys almost one whole block in Millersburg yesterday, June 22, 2022. That included three apartments , as well as the post office. It was been a challenging day for firefighters – hot weather when the fire started, then a storm with gusty winds. A lot of civilians came out with coolers of water to…

A precautionary boil water advisory has been issued for Kentucky American Water customers in Millersburg. This precautionary advisory has been issued due to a large firefighting effort this afternoon in downtown Millersburg. During a boil water advisory, it is recommended that customers boil for three minutes any tap water they intend to use for consumption,…