Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) stands as a vital lifeline for the rural communities nestled in the heart of the mountainous terrain of Appalachia, where healthcare access is often limited by poverty, geographical barriers and systemic health disparities. On November 21, National Rural Health Day, PMC honors the resilience and strength of these communities while reaffirming its mission to deliver advanced, compassionate care in one of the most underserved and distressed regions in the country.
“For us, National Rural Health Day is more than an acknowledgment of rural challenges within the healthcare landscape,” said Dr. Aaron Crum, Senior Vice President, Assistant CEO, and Chief Medical Officer. “It’s a celebration of the strength and spirit of our community and a reminder of the critical role we play in transforming lives in Eastern Kentucky.”
Eastern Kentucky and the broader Central Appalachian communities often face significant challenges, including poor health outcomes, limited access to care and the necessity of traveling long distances for specialized services. PMC has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive care and an array of services that go beyond urgent and primary care needs. Its dedication has expanded to include specialized services for heart and vascular care, pediatrics, trauma care, cancer treatment, autism therapy and telehealth options; resources that are often unavailable in rural areas.
As the leading comprehensive healthcare facility in the region, PMC’s trajectory and growth encompass the needs of the people it serves and remain a pillar of the community by breaking barriers and building a brighter future, addressing the unique challenges impacting rural populations. PMC’s innovative use of telehealth and its focus on preventive care allows the hospital to extend its reach into the most remote areas. Through community health initiatives, educational programs and ongoing expansion, PMC has transformed itself into a model of what rural healthcare can achieve when fueled by innovation, drive and commitment.
What makes PMC truly unique is its commitment to providing high-quality care and advanced medical equipment and treatment options in a rural setting. PMC’s leadership and staff work tirelessly to improve patient outcomes and enhance access to specialized services. “We understand the challenges our rural communities endure, but we are proud of the progress we’ve made and continue to make. Every day, our mission is to eliminate barriers to care and create opportunities for healthier lives,” said Donovan Blackburn, PMC’s President and CEO. “National Rural Health Day is a reminder that rural does not mean forgotten or less deserving—it means finding new ways to meet challenges head-on.”
As PMC looks into the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to being a leader in rural health innovation. The hospital continues to expand services, improve infrastructure and collaborate with local and state leaders and government agencies to further address the health disparities that persist in the rural region.
To further elevate the importance of rural health, Blackburn traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with the Congressional Rural Health Caucus, the Department of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP). These meetings focused on advocating for policy changes and funding opportunities that directly benefit rural communities and support rural health initiatives, sustaining healthcare access for generations to come. Additionally, during the visit, Blackburn met with Ben Page, the Deputy Assistant Secretary and COO of the Economic Development Administration, and Karen Kelly, the Chief of Staff for U.S. Representative Rogers. These meetings suggest an effort to collaborate with economic and political leaders to secure vital resources and support for rural health initiatives.
Through its partnerships with HRSA, PMC has received five critical grants designed to strengthen the organization’s ability to deliver high-quality care and support the professional growth of its staff. These grants have expanded the local workforce and training opportunities, enhancing the local workforce, creating behavioral health services, recruiting primary care providers, and offering education incentives to healthcare workers. These investments reflect the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality comprehensive care and boosting a healthcare workforce that is skilled, passionate and deeply connected to the needs of rural communities. “Healthcare in rural areas isn’t just about treating illness; it’s about creating opportunity, fostering growth and sustaining communities,” Blackburn explained.
At the core of PMC’s mission is its belief in the “Power of Rural”—the idea that through innovation, collaboration and community-centered care, rural health systems can overcome the disparities they face and thrive. PMC’s accomplishments demonstrate that world-class healthcare can be delivered in rural areas when partnerships, dedication and bold action converge.
This year, PMC reflects on the lives it has touched and the milestones it has achieved. From emergency medical care to advanced cancer treatments, PMC has redefined rural healthcare in Eastern Kentucky, eliminating the need for families to uproot from their Kentucky homes to access lifesaving care.
National Rural Health Day serves as a call to action and a reminder of PMC’s unwavering commitment to Eastern Kentucky and the broader region of Central Appalachia. As the hospital continues to grow its services, invest in its workforce, and advocate for rural health policy, it stands as a pillar of hope and innovation—a shining example of what can be accomplished when rural communities are prioritized and empowered.
“Rural healthcare is a calling,” Blackburn stated. “Every patient we serve and every life we touch is a testament to the power of rural, bringing compassion and comprehensive healthcare to those who need it most.”
Pikeville Medical Center celebrates the strength of its community on National Rural Health Day, looking to the future with a steadfast resolve to create healthier, stronger and more connected communities. Here in the heart of the mountains, PMC is proving that the power of rural transforms lives, sustains families and strengthens the very fabric of Eastern Kentucky.
