This fall, our Paducah market welcomed an exciting addition to its community support initiatives – 11 new digital kiosks designed to bridge the gap between residents and vital resources!
Imagine a place where you can quickly find housing assistance, medical services or crisis support right at your fingertips. Thanks to our ministry’s sponsorship as well as funding from the Mercy Health Foundation, this vision is now a reality.
These innovative kiosks build upon the success of four similar stations installed in public libraries last year. All were made possible through a collaborative effort with Family Scholar House, a Kentucky-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering families and youth toward educational success and independence.
Strategically positioned in key locations, such as public health departments, the Mercy Health – Marshall County Medical Pavilion in Benton, Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital and Mercy Health – Paducah Medical Pavilion as well as the Western Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah, these kiosks are more than just screens; they are lifelines.
But how do these digital kiosks work?
It’s simple! Users can access the MyKY.info website directly from the freestanding kiosks. By entering details like gender, age and family status, individuals can filter through a wealth of information tailored to their needs.
But what if you need urgent help? Pressing an “urgent need” button connects you directly to crisis hotlines, safe housing options and live assistance – making it easier than ever to reach out for help.
“Mercy Health recognizes that various social factors impact an individual’s health and ability to thrive,” Leigh Ann Ballegeer, our director of community health, shares.
Additionally, she emphasizes the kiosks’ pivotal role in ensuring community members can access essential support when they need it most. The initiative responds directly to feedback from the community’s latest health needs assessment, highlighting the importance of effectively communicating resource availability.
In a time when connectivity and access to help are more important than ever, these digital kiosks stand as a beacon of hope and support.
They link individuals to crucial community resources and foster a sense of solidarity – a reminder that no one has to face challenges alone.
So, next time you find yourself in Paducah or its surrounding areas, look for these kiosks and take advantage of the wealth of resources they offer. Your next step toward support might just be a quick touch away!
Learn about the primary care services we provide at Mercy Health.
