Health Education through Extension Leadership (HEEL)

Compiled data clearly show that death rates for Kentuckians in almost every major disease category are among the highest in the United States.

Specifically, however, lung cancer and cancers in general, cardiovascular disease, and conditions resulting from diabetes kill more citizens in Kentucky than in any other state.

The HEEL program not only addresses the three chronic disease areas of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, but also the contributing behavioral risk factors. In addition, HEEL strives to address other emerging health issues that impact Kentucky families.

• Overview and Profile of the Health Challenges in Kentucky (PDF)

• Alzheimer’s Disease: Getting the Facts
• Women in Poverty
• Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours! (PDF)

The development of the HEEL program was made possible by Senator Mitch McConnell with funds earmarked for the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Lexington, KY and budgeted through the CSREES/USDA Federal Administration