According to healthdata.gov the Kentucky COVID-19 vaccine rate is at 58.9% while the national average is at 69.6%. Big Sandy Health Care Co-op did a regional grant to financially aid the Big Sandy Region Extension Offices (Floyd, Pike, Johnson, Martin, and Magoffin) to spread awareness of COVID-19 vaccines and increase regional vaccine rates.

The Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office’s agents and staff planned a Community Health and Safety Event with a primary goal of vaccine promotion. The event was held on August 12, 2022, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Jenny Wiley State Park Convention Center. The Floyd County Extension Office organized and invited multiple outside agencies to participate. Agencies included: Big Sandy Healthcare, Floyd County Health Department, Kentucky State Police, Kings Daughter Hospital, Kentucky Homeplace Clinic, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Mountain Regional Prevention Center, Anthem Medicaid, FCHD Hands Program, and several Extension booths.

This event provided multiples services such as health and safety educational materials, medical services, demonstrations, and incentive items. The medical services included physicals, A1Cs, vaccinations (COVID-19 and DTAP), blood pressure checks, and basic podiatry assessments. Due to recent historical flooding at the time some of the services provided were directed to those were displaced and staying at the park. Also, the Floyd County Extension Offices and other vendors provided information to the attendees about flood related issue. This event was promoted by posting posters and flyers throughout the community, Facebook posts, radio broadcasts, and shared by community partners.

The Floyd County Health and Safety Event had around one hundred and twenty participants. COVID-19 Vaccines and DTAP vaccines were also distributed during the event.