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Recent News
Project CARAT featured in Medical News publication
Roughly one in seven Americans live with a disability that impacts daily mobility. The average cost of a wheelchair ranges from $500 to $2,000 without insurance, seriously curbing access to this essential equipment for patients who lack proper coverage.
The University of Kentucky’s Center of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) in Hazard is working to bridge this gap for Kentucky patients through a project that repairs and redistributes used medical equipment to communities in need.
The full article is available on page 8 of the Medical News August 2020 Publication.
UK Staff and Students Refurbish Needed Medical Equipment
The University of Kentucky Physical Therapy program is taking learning outside of the classroom all while helping those in the community get needed medical equipment.
According to the CDC, one in four Americans live with a disability; however, necessary equipment isn't always cheap. The average cost of a wheelchair, for example, ranges from $500 to $2,000 without insurance.
That's why in 2013, Dr. Partick Kitzman, a professor at the UK, decided to create a service learning program where students refurbish medical equipment for those who may not be able to afford it.
UK Faculty, Students Refurbish and Provide Medical Equipment in Rural Kentucky
By Lauren Thompson
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 2, 2020) — Roughly one in seven Americans live with a disability that impacts daily mobility. The average cost of a wheelchair ranges from $500 to $2,000 without insurance, seriously curbing access to this essential equipment for patients who lack proper coverage. The University of Kentucky’s Center of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) in Hazard is working to bridge this gap for Kentucky patients through a project that repairs and redistributes used medical equipment to communities in need.
Project CARAT—short for Coordinating and Assisting the Reuse of Assistive... Read More
UK collaborative team receives funding to refurbish and provide essential medical equipment in rural Kentucky
Roughly 1 in 7 Americans live with a disability that impacts daily mobility. The average cost of a wheelchair ranges from $500 to $2,000 without insurance, seriously curbing access to this essential equipment for patients who lack proper coverage. The UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) in Hazard is working to bridge this gap for Kentucky patients through a project that repairs and redistributes used medical equipment to communities in need. 
Project CARAT—short for Coordinating and Assisting the Reuse of Assistive Technology— began in... Read More
Stroke Survivor and Area Stroke Support Group Receive Awards from American Stroke Association
The Hazard and Surrounding Area Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support Group through the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health, along with one of the group’s founding members, Mark Kincaid, a stroke survivor from Letcher County, were honored this week with Stroke Hero Awards from the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association (AHA).
CERH stroke support group wins Outstanding Support Group
University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health stroke support group has won the Outstanding Support Group, through the Stroke Hero Awards with the American Stroke Association.
Memeber of KARRN Stroke Support Group wins national award
Over a decade ago, Mark Kincaid experienced a catastrophic ischemic stroke at age 42 due to undiagnosed high blood pressure. Doctors predicted that Mark might not survive surgery to treat the stroke, and if he did, he would live the rest of his days in a vegetative state.
But Mark defied the predictions as soon as he woke up from surgery. After weeks of intensive inpatient therapy, he began regaining some of his cognitive and physical abilities, and after three months in hospitals, he was finally able to go home.
Safeguard Against Disability Discrimination During COVID-19
Including individuals with disabilities in the COVID-19 response to ensure equitable care
THINK EQUITABLE CARE - TAKE ACTION!
- Inform key medical personnel immediately that individuals with disabilities have equal rights to COVID-19 testing and treatment.
- Make equitable decisions to ensure that allocation of COVID-19 resources, supplies, and care are not based on inaccurate assumptions about life with a disability.
- Provide accommodations to make sure all individuals can access COVID-19 testing and treatment. This requirement includes accommodations for behavioral, intellectual, or physical disabilities that may impact someone’s ability to comply during... Read More
My New Kentucky Smart Home Project
What Is It?
The KATS Network has received a grant through the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to establish a Smart Home Technology Lending Library. In an effort to assist individuals with paralyzing conditions identify Smart Home technology to help become more independent in their homes and improve their quality of life, the KATS Network will provide short term loans of Smart Home “starter kits.” During the loan period, the KATS Network will work with the individual to identify funding sources to purchase their own equipment. One of the first steps in establishing this program is to identify the equipment to include in the kits that will have the greatest impact.
How Can I Help?
The KATS Network will be conducting a Needs... Read More
