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The Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange Program will mark its two-year anniversary tomorrow.
Kentucky’s first syringe exchange program began in a mobile unit outside of Public Health and Wellness headquarters at 400 E. Gray St. on June 10, 2015. Since then, the program has been moved into renovated space inside and expanded to include three neighborhood sites. The exchange is open six days a week on Gray Street, and each of the neighborhood sites is open one day per week.
The demand for the Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange Program has far exceeded expectations. Originally budgeted for about 500 participants per year, the program had served 10,639 participants by the end of May 2017 and referred more than 347 to drug treatment. The ratio of syringes distributed versus exchanged remains at less than 2:1.
Additionally, since it began, the Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange Program has:
- Conducted 800 HIV tests and referred 18 individuals for medical treatment and support services;
- Conducted 691 Hepatitis C tests and referred 368 individuals for medical treatment;
- Provided overdose prevention training and naloxone kits to 995 participants and their family members or friends.
“From a public health perspective, the greatest benefit of any syringe exchange program is reducing the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C and other infectious diseases, as well as increasing access to substance abuse treatment,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, medical director of the Department of Public Health and Wellness. “We are very grateful to our state legislative delegation, to Mayor Greg Fischer and the Metro Council, the Board of Health and to the entire Louisville community for the support they have shown over the past two years.”
The Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange Program was begun primarily to protect the community against a potential outbreak of such blood-borne diseases as HIV and Hepatitis C spread by needle sharing among injection drug users. The neighboring community of Austin, Ind., with a population of about 4,200 and just 35 miles north of Louisville, had seen 181 new HIV cases the prior year and approximately 155 new Hepatitis C cases as a result of needle sharing. In a city the size of Louisville, that would have translated to more than 31,600 new HIV cases and approximately 27,100 new Hepatitis C cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “lifetime treatment cost of a single case of HIV infection is $379, 668; the costs of treating the patients who contracted HIV and Hepatitis C in Scott County (Austin), Indiana over the next decades are expected to approach $90 million.”
In 2015 Kentucky enacted legislation allowing local health departments to operate substance abuse outreach programs, which include syringe exchange programs. The Louisville Metro Council then adopted an ordinance to approve operating a syringe exchange program for the city, and the Louisville Metro Board of Health approved the exchange.
“Addressing the heroin epidemic effectively requires a multidisciplinary approach. Harm reduction interventions like the Louisville Syringe Exchange Program are an important part of that approach,” said Moyer.
In an effort to show how easy it is to get around on a bike or on foot on one of Metro Louisville’s most popular streets, Frankfort Avenue will become a paved park for the next CycLOUvia event set for Sunday, June 11th.
“CycLOUvia is a great opportunity to remind ourselves that we can live without our cars from time to time and still traverse our neighborhoods,” says Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9). “Fortunately, more people are becoming aware of that fact, which makes our citizens healthier and our neighborhoods greener.”
CycLOUvia will take place between Pope Street and Stilz Avenue between 2:00pm and 6:00pm with cross traffic allowed at Ewing Avenue. During that time, no cars will be allowed and bicycles, pedestrians, skaters, and strollers will take over The Avenue.
The Crescent Hill Library will be open from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. during this special event, with staff paid for by the Citizens of District 9. Many businesses along The Avenue till have special offerings.
For more information about CycLOUvia on Frankfort Avenue, contact Councilman Hollander’s office at 574-1109.
Photo: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Governor Matt Bevin has approved $24.9 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds for communities across the Commonwealth. TAP and CMAQ programs are federally funded reimbursement programs administered through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Local Programs.
“By updating this year’s priority ranking criteria, we ensured federal dollars will be spent on the greatest community needs,” said Gov. Bevin. “These funds allow investments to be made in local infrastructure that increases connectivity and serves diverse populations, such as the non-driving and disabled communities.”
This year, TAP funding for 34 projects was awarded to 28 counties while 10 CMAQ projects in various municipalities were selected. Furthermore, four ongoing TAP projects received additional funding. Projects in this year’s cycle range from new sidewalks and walk/bike paths to the purchase of new hybrid electric diesel buses that will replace traditional diesel buses.
“These funds support many Cabinet priorities such as improved safety, increased access and more efficient modes of transportation,” said Sec. Greg Thomas. “We’re pleased so many counties across the state will be able to make needed improvements to enhance the quality of life for Kentuckians.”
TAP assists communities in funding transportation improvements, such as safe bicycle and pedestrian pathways and/or facilities, safe routes to schools, scenic turnouts and overlooks and other investments. Projects may be a mix of elements and accessible to the general public or targeted to a broad segment of the general public.
Funding for TAP is authorized as a set-aside of the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding program under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which authorizes federal transportation funding from Fiscal Year 2016-2020.
Both TAP and CMAQ enable local governments to recoup as much as 80 percent of the cost of a project.
CMAQ is a transportation improvement program focused on funding innovative transportation projects or programs that will reduce congestion and improve air quality. Kentucky receives CMAQ funds each year which can only be spent in areas designated as non-attainment or maintenance for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
CMAQ funds are available to state and local government agencies as well as private entities through public-private partnerships. Nonprofit organizations may also apply in partnership with a state or local government agency.
KYTC solicits applications and makes awards annually for these CMAQ/TAP funds. The 2016 application cycle ended on Sept. 30, 2016.
For a list of CMAQ and TAP awards by county, click here.
For more information, please visit http://transportation.ky.gov/Local-Programs.
Design by Emily Keller; photo by Kory Johnson Photography.
A new bourbon tasting experience is coming to Louisville. Sour Mash Tours launched Saturday, May 27, in Nulu.
Each tour features samples of at least nine brands at local bars and restaurants, including Feast BBQ, Galaxie, Rye and Taj. The tours offer an expansive and interactive tasting experience, all while getting guests acquainted with a Louisville neighborhood known for its unique bourbon history.
“With all the excitement surrounding bourbon in Louisville, we realized there wasn’t anything out there that combined the bourbon tasting experience with some of our great bourbon bars,” said co-founder Andy Huenefeld.
Tastings are conducted with a lineup of spirits expertly curated to maximize the experience. For example, guests may taste rye-heavy bourbons at one bar and wheated bourbons at another. Bourbon beginners can use the tour to discover some favorite styles and brands while connoisseurs can further refine their palates by practicing picking out subtle differences and flavor profiles.
“Our goal with Sour Mash Tours is to show folks the best part of the distilleries — the bourbon — while exploring one of Louisville’s most vibrant neighborhoods,” said co-founder Dillon Miles, who used to give tours at Jim Beam Distillery.
The guides focus on the various steps in the distilling process and how they impact the taste of the product. Each tour attendee will receive a tasting booklet for notes and to mark their favorites.
Sour Mash Tours chose Nulu for its great selection of bourbon bars and walkability, but hopes to bring tours to other parts of Louisville in the future.
“There are so many great bourbons and bars in our city to explore,” said Danielle Huenefeld, co-founder and chief marketing officer.
Sour Mash Tours are offered each Saturday starting at 2pm in Nulu. The team also offers happy hours and private event tastings. To book an event, visit www.sourmashtours.com/tour-schedule.
Photo: JCPS
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has kicked off its Summer Food Service Program, offering free nutritionally balanced meals to children and teens to help prevent the nutritional ‘summer slide.’ The free breakfasts and lunches are available Monday through Friday at 127 sites throughout the summer.
“We know that making sure young people maintain a healthy diet is a key factor in how much they retain of what they’ve learned,” JCPS Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens said. “The summer food program helps ensure that a nutritious meal is readily available throughout the county, and at locations that make it easy for young people to access.”
The program operates at open sites—which serve meals to any child on a first-come, first-served basis—and at certain camps and summer programs. Participants can also get a meal at the JCPS Bus Stop Café, a converted school bus that travels to sites where young people typically gather, such as parks and pools. The program is open to anyone age 18 or under, regardless of whether they attend a JCPS school.
“JCPS is proud to sponsor the USDA Summer Food Service Program,” JCPS Nutrition Services Director Julia Bauscher said. “This program helps all children in Jefferson County have a healthy, fun summer. We hope that children will join us for summer meals at one of our 120-plus sites!”
Families can find a site near them by texting “FOOD” to 877877, checking the school menu section of the JCPS mobile app or by visiting JCPS.Nutrislice.com.
Last year, JCPS served 104,689 breakfasts and 178,121 lunches throughout the summer as part of its free Summer Food Service Program. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Photo: Kentucky State Parks
The Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site will host the 4th Annual Celebration of Quilts and Quilting June 9-11.
The event, held in honor of Lucille Page, will feature an exhibit of over 60 quilts in the meetinghouse. This year’s featured quilter is Joan Coe of Turkey Neck Bend, Ky.
The celebration begins with a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Friday night at the meetinghouse and continues 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
A variety of quilting related demonstrations will be conducted Saturday in the meetinghouse yard and Sunday in the park shelter. There is no admission fee and all activities are free while supplies last.
Also on Saturday, the Monroe Crafters will host a small craft fair in the meetinghouse yard and the Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society will be on hand to discuss their registry process.
The Celebration is held annually in conjunction to Monroe County’s Drive-by Quilt Hanging. During the quilt hanging residents throughout the county will be hanging quilts in their yard, on their fence or in their doors to honor the community’s heritage of quilting.
The Celebration of Quilts and Quilting is sponsored by the family of Lucille Page, Robertson’s-Southern Ivy, the Monroe County Tourism Commission and the Monroe Arts Council. For more information, call Old Mulkey at 270-487-8481 or visit http://parks.ky.gov/parks/historicsites/old-mulkey/events.aspx
Mayor Greg Fischer and Kent Oyler, president and CEO of Greater Louisville Inc., today announced that Louisville Forward, the city’s economic development organization, and Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI), the city’s chamber of commerce, have been jointly recognized as Top U.S. Economic Development Groups for 2016 by Site Selection magazine.
Working together in 2016, with partners in two states and 15 counties, these two groups have helped the Greater Louisville region welcome 70 projects, representing nearly $1.4 billion in investment and more than 8,500 jobs. GLI attracts leads looking at the region and transitions projects to the local economic development organization after the company has narrowed its search.
“Louisville is seeing tremendous growth right now – from our highly skilled workforce to infrastructure improvements to our welcoming and inclusive culture – and quality companies are investing in our city at a rate never seen before,” said the Mayor. “This recognition is proof that our strategic partnership with GLI is working and the hard work of our economic development team, led by Chief Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, is paying off.”
As the economic hub for the region, Louisville Forward had a banner year in 2016, locating 61 projects in Jefferson County, representing $1.3 billion in investment, and creating 6,820 new jobs. Louisville Forward also celebrated the $310 million expansion of UPS Centennial Hub and the announcement of Computershare’s regional office with 1,100 jobs, representing a $32 million investment.
“This award proves that this region continues to be the best place in the world to relocate, expand or start a business. The diversity of resources here and the collaborative, community attitude make this an excellent market for new business,” said Oyler. “We will use this momentum to encourage more investment throughout our 15 counties.”
In 2016, GLI generated 9 leads for the 15-country region, resulting in projects representing $69 million in investment, and creating 1,750 jobs with an additional 43 projects in the pipeline to end the year. GLI also celebrated the launch of OneJet flight service out of Louisville International Airport, which was facilitated by GLI’s Regional Air Coalition and the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.
Louisville Forward was formed in July 2014 to unite economic development efforts and built environment functions, allowing business owners to go from concept to permit in one streamlined agency. To achieve its goals of raising the median wage across the city and growing the number of jobs, the Louisville Forward team focuses on five strategic business categories that are historic and contemporary areas of strength to Louisville; Advanced Manufacturing, Food and Beverage, Lifelong Wellness and Aging Care, Logistics and eCommerce, and Business Services.
Since its creation, Louisville Forward has helped businesses create nearly 12,000 new jobs in Louisville, representing an investment of more than $2.4 billion dollars. This award marks the third straight year that Louisville Forward has been recognized by Site Selection magazine.
GLI is focused on growing the regional economy. As the region’s largest convener of business leadership, GLI leads global economic and outreach strategies focused on business attraction; nurtures the entrepreneurial eco-system; and champions the development of the community’s talent base. As the voice of Greater Louisville’s business community, GLI advocates for a pro-business environment and facilitates businesses engagement on issues that impact regional competitiveness.
The recognition is based on six criteria – total projects, total investment associated with those projects and total jobs associated with those projects; and those same three numbers calculated per capita for the metro area.
Top projects for the groups that are featured in the May issue of Site Selection magazine include:
Clariant Corporation – headquartered in Switzerland, Clariant Corporation, a leading manufacturer of catalysts, announced the development of a $100 million manufacturing plant located on Hill Street near 12th and 13th Streets. Clariant created 41 new jobs with the expansion of the Louisville operation.
Evolent Health – a strategic alliance between Passport Health Plan and Evolent Health created The Medicaid Center of Excellence. The Center is the first of its kind in the country and combines Passport’s expertise in Medicaid managed care with Evolent’s industry-leading technology and operations to offer centralized services for provider-led Medicaid health plans nationwide.
Guess, Inc. – located in Jefferson Riverport International, Guess Inc. announced its $11.5 million expansion to build a second warehouse of 232,500 square feet, more than doubling the footprint of the distribution center. The new warehouse created 200 new jobs, bringing its total employee count to 600.
In addition to the projects mentioned above, Louisville Forward and GLI partnered to attract global law firm Hogan Lovells to open its global business services center in Louisville, an $8.9 million investment, creating 250 high-quality jobs.
Click here for more information about Louisville Forward.
Click here for more information about GLI.