Physical inactivity and obesity continue to be roadblocks to health and wellness achievement in Grayson County. This was identified in two community health surveys conducted by the local hospital and the Grayson County Cooperative Extension Service. The Community Health Committee is a multi-faceted partnership between Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center, Cooperative Extension, the local health department, the school district, and additional passionate community members. This success story illustrates the transformative power of collaboration in promoting physical activity and fostering a culture of health in rural Kentucky.

At the heart of this promotion lies Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center (OHTLRMC), a beacon of health in the community. Recognizing the profound impact of physical activity on overall well-being, OHTLRMC took initiative to bring together the Cooperative Extension Service and above collaborators to develop a true community campaign for physical activity that would continue to grow over the years. 

This vision took shape in the form of Fitt Fiddle, a mascot derived from Grayson County’s rich history with Bluegrass Music and home of the National Fiddling Contest each July. Fitt was designed by a local high school student and has taken on a life form of its own! Fitt shows up at local events, in parks, and took a tour in January 2024 to all elementary school PE classrooms! Fitt even has a jingle and line dance that the community is coming to learn and love!

But Fitt Fiddle is more than just a mascot or campaign – it’s a movement, a rallying cry for collective action. Through partnerships with schools, businesses, and civic organizations, Fitt Fiddle is starting to weave itself into the fabric of daily life in Grayson County. The legacy of Fitt Fiddle continues to unfold. It serves as a testament to the power of true collaboration, proving that when communities come together, anything is possible. We are excited to see where Fitt with show up next!