Russell County Hospital to Launch New Food is Medicine Program with Support from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans
RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. — Russell County Hospital, in partnership with the Kentucky Association of Health Plans (KAHP) — the trade association representing Medicaid managed care organizations and commercial insurers in the Commonwealth — today announced plans to launch a new Food is Medicine program aimed at helping patients manage chronic conditions through better nutrition.
This initiative will be made possible through a $300,000 grant provided by KAHP, funding $100,000 per year over the next three years. The program is part of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s broader Food is medicine initiative to improve health outcomes, support Kentucky farmers, and strengthen community ties.
“We’re excited to be at the forefront of this important work,” said Scott Thompson, CEO of Russell County Hospital. “By connecting our patients to fresh, local foods and providing hands-on support through education and check-ins, we will empower people with the tools they need to better manage chronic conditions like diabetes.”
The pilot will initially focus on a small group of outpatient clinic patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. These participants will receive disease-appropriate food boxes sourced from local farms and food producers, along with access to nutrition education led jointly by the hospital’s dietitian and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. In addition to clinical nutrition counseling during in-office visits, patients will receive follow-up calls from hospital staff to reinforce healthy habits between appointments.
"Russell County Hospital’s program embodies what Food is Medicine is all about: practical, local solutions that strengthen health and rural economies at the same time," said Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell. "Thanks to partners like the Kentucky Association of Health Plans, we’re helping Kentuckians live healthier lives while supporting our farm families — that’s the kind of investment that pays off for everyone."
Russell County Hospital will also track patient health indicators such as blood sugar levels at the start, middle, and end of the pilot to evaluate impact. Patients will leave educational sessions with not only fresh, Kentucky-grown foods but also recipes, basic cooking utensils, and the skills to maintain healthier eating habits over time.
"Through investments like this, we are making a real difference in the health and wellbeing of Kentucky communities," said Tom Stephens, President and CEO of KAHP. "Russell County’s program builds on the momentum of Food is medicine initiatives KAHP is supporting in Fayette, Floyd, Harlan, Jefferson, and Perry counties — and reflects our commitment to bringing innovative, patient-centered solutions to every corner of the Commonwealth."
The Russell County program is part of a growing statewide movement to integrate nutrition into health care. Under Commissioner Jonathan Shell’s leadership, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Food is Medicine initiative is working to connect patients with fresh, local foods as a tool for better health outcomes and stronger rural economies across the Commonwealth.
About Kentucky Association of Health Plans
Kentucky Association of Health Plans is the trade organization representing the Kentucky health insurance community. KAHP is a leader on issues that strengthen the accessibility, value, and quality of health care in the Commonwealth. Members include Aetna, Anthem, CareSource, Humana, Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare, UnitedHealth Group and WellCare. For more information visit: www.kahp.org or follow @kyhealthplans on X.