University of Louisville School of Nursing and Hazard Community & Technical College Students Partner on Aetna Foundation Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge in Perry County

The Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge in Perry County aims to increase access to healthy foods in Perry County and will also serve as an example for other communities across the United States. U of L School of Nursing graduate student, Paige Newquist, and Hazard Community College Visual Communications Graphic Design student, Nikki Enlow, have partnered to launch a public health information campaign. U of L Professor Frances Hardin-Fanning oversees the Perry County project sponsored by the Aetna Foundation, the American Public Health Association, and the National Association of Counties.

To see Nikki's graphics and Paige's research spotlights, go to Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge: Perry County | Facebook

Paige Newquist is a U of L School of Nursing MEPN student and is also a Research Scholar. She currently works at U of L Hospital as a physical therapy technician and is an active member of the U of L COVID vaccination team. Paige will graduate in May of 2022 and plans to work in Orthopedic Nursing in Louisville. She also plans to become a Family Nurse Practitioner following graduate undergraduate work. As a graduate nursing student, Paige uses skills from her undergraduate research courses to review scientific evidence about the health impact of foods. She provides the Project Director, Anthony Ritchie, with weekly Facebook "spotlight" information on different fruits and vegetables.

As a student in HCTC Professor Wendy Davidson's Visual Communications multimedia class, Nikki Enlow designed a banner for the Facebook page, a project sticker with a QR code, and a modified logo design that will be printed on masks and tote bags. Her work continues as she develops visuals for future Facebook posts. Nikki's inspiration for her project work came from the history of Perry County and the goals of the project. "The colorful leaves on the tree represent the diversity of the people in Perry County as well as the diverse forms of food and food assistance available," noted Nikki. She said the "Perry County" text is at the base of the tree, serving as "roots" because the initiative is rooted in the community. As Nikki looks ahead, she would like to become a graphic designer for a non-profit or possibly creating accessible visual communications for businesses. She plans to graduate in May with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Visual Communications Multimedia.