Health in the Hills
Health in the Hills is brought to you by the Pike County (Ky.) Health Department. This is a bi-weekly podcast covering programs and information about many different types of health services available to our region of Eastern Kentucky.
Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
37 min
This week on Health in the Hills, Jeff and Tammy are joined by David Walker, President of the Pikeville Farmers Market, to discuss an exciting collaboration with Ignite Pike and what it means for the future of health in Pike County.
The conversation highlights how the partnership between Ignite Pike and the Farmers Market is expanding access to fresh foods and health resources, including the introduction of a new mobile unit designed to reach more residents across the county. David breaks down how these efforts are working together to promote healthier lifestyles and strengthen the connection between local agriculture and community wellness.
This episode focuses on practical, community-driven solutions that aim to improve overall health outcomes and make nutritious options more accessible for families throughout the region.
Watch the full episode on Apple Music and Spotify: https://youtu.be/NyzaGZWaDgc

Jun 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
41 min
This week on Health in the Hills, Jeff and Tammy are joined by WIC Program Coordinator Jan Johnson to discuss the many services and benefits available through the WIC Program at the Pike County Health Department.
Jan explains how WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) supports eligible families through nutrition education, healthy food benefits, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other important health services. Whether you're expecting a child, caring for a young child, or simply want to learn more about the program, this episode provides a helpful overview of the resources available to local families.
The conversation also covers who qualifies for WIC, how to apply, and the positive impact the program has on the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and young children throughout the community.
Topics Covered:• What WIC is and who qualifies• Healthy food and nutrition benefits• Breastfeeding support and education• Services available through the Pike County Health Department• How to apply and get started with WIC
WIC has helped millions of families access nutritious foods and health resources, and Jan shares how those services continue to make a difference right here in Eastern Kentucky.

Apr 15, 2026
Apr 15, 2026
31 min
This week on Health in the Hills, Jeff and Tammy are joined by HANDS Program Manager Paula Compton to take a closer look at one of Kentucky’s most impactful early childhood support programs.
Paula breaks down what the HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Development Services) program is, who qualifies, and how it helps families build strong, healthy foundations from pregnancy through early childhood. From home visitation services to parenting support and child development resources, this episode highlights how HANDS works directly with families to improve outcomes for both parents and children.
Whether you’re an expecting parent, a new caregiver, or simply want to better understand the resources available in your community, this conversation offers clear insight into how the HANDS Program makes a difference across Eastern Kentucky.

Mar 18, 2026
Mar 18, 2026
28 min
This week on Health in the Hills, Jeff and Tammy are joined by Sgt. Kevin Belcher and Public Health Manager Laura Fraley for an important conversation on harm reduction and the growing presence of synthetic opioids in our communities.
They break down what these substances are, why they’re so dangerous, and what steps are being taken locally to reduce harm and save lives. This episode focuses on awareness, prevention, and real-world strategies that are making a difference.
Watch now on Youtube: https://youtu.be/PPS8FRrGhio
Stay informed. Stay aware.

Jan 19, 2026
Jan 19, 2026
21 min
This week on Health in the Hills, Jeff and Tammy break down what you need to know as flu season ramps up, and they also dive into the continued presence of RSV and COVID in our communities. From symptoms and prevention to when it’s time to see a doctor, this episode covers the key information families need during peak respiratory illness season.
And yes, if you’re looking for the video… it didn’t make it. Consider this a throwback, audio-only edition. Same trusted information, same familiar voices, just without the camera. Sometimes the bugs show up before the technology does.
Topics include:• What flu, RSV, and COVID look like this season• How these illnesses spread• Warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored• Best ways to protect yourself and your family• Why vaccination, hygiene, and awareness still matter
Even without video, this episode delivers timely, practical guidance to help keep your household informed and healthy.

Dec 11, 2025
Dec 11, 2025
26 min
Health in the Hills returns with a timely holiday edition as Jeff and Tammy welcome back Environmental Health Director Jackie Cole for a deep dive into food safety during the busiest cooking season of the year.
Jackie breaks down the essential practices that keep families safe, including the core mantra every kitchen should follow: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. From stopping cross-contamination before it happens to ensuring foods reach — and stay at — safe temperatures, this episode gives listeners the clear, practical guidance needed for a healthy holiday gathering.

Oct 22, 2025
Oct 22, 2025
22 min
This week on Health in the Hills, Jeff and Tammy welcome Julie Chaney, the Smoking Cessation Coordinator at the Pike County Health Department. Julie shares valuable insight into the resources, support programs, and strategies available to help you quit nicotine products for good.
Learn how the Health Department can guide you through every step of the quitting process — from personalized counseling to free resources — and how making the decision to quit can improve your health and quality of life.
Tune in and take the first step toward a healthier, smoke-free future.

Oct 8, 2025
Oct 8, 2025
22 min
This week on Health in the Hills, Jeff and Tammy are joined by special guest Sandra May, a member of the Paint Pikeville Pink Race Committee and a breast cancer survivor. Sandra shares her inspiring story, what the annual race means to her, and how the community is coming together to raise awareness and support those battling breast cancer.
Tune in to hear about this year’s event details, how you can get involved, and why spreading awareness is so important for early detection and saving lives.
Join the movement. Paint Pikeville Pink.Sign up for the race here: https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Pikeville/PaintPikevillePink

Sep 11, 2025
Sep 11, 2025
22 min
On this week’s Health in the Hills Podcast, Jeff is joined once again by Tammy and Laura to talk about the Health Department’s new Resource Recovery Center. This center is designed to provide support and resources for individuals on the path to recovery, offering access to counseling, peer support, treatment referrals, and community programs.
Jeff, Tammy, and Laura discuss the services that will be available, why this center is so important for our region, and how it will help break down barriers for those seeking recovery. Tune in to learn how the Resource Recovery Center will serve as a vital hub of hope and healing for our community.

Aug 13, 2025
Aug 13, 2025
15 min
This week on Health in the Hills, Jeff and Tammy welcome Jessica Anderson from the Pike County Health Department to talk about the life-saving power of CPR. From understanding the basics to learning where and how you can get trained locally, Jessica shares why quick action in an emergency can make all the difference. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a concerned neighbor, this episode will show you how CPR skills can help you be ready when every second counts.



