GRAYSON, Ky. (March 3, 2026) — The FIVCO Area Development District has announced the creation of a Regional Health & Wellness Council aimed at strengthening collaboration, coordination and long-term planning around public health, behavioral health, substance use recovery and overall community wellness across the five-county region.
The Council will serve in an advisory capacity to the FIVCO Board of Directors, helping identify regional health priorities, reviewing data trends, and recommending strategies that improve access to services and address social determinants of health. The initiative expands regional coordination efforts to ensure all counties within the FIVCO district are represented in health and wellness planning.
“The creation of this Council reinforces FIVCO’s role as a regional convener,” said Lance Hanshaw, executive director of the FIVCO Area Development District. “Health challenges do not stop at county lines. By bringing together local officials, healthcare providers, emergency services, behavioral health professionals and community partners, we can better align efforts, share information and pursue strategic solutions that improve outcomes for our residents.”
The Council will build upon existing partnerships and coalitions while broadening engagement across the entire region. Its work may include reviewing healthcare infrastructure needs, improving non-emergency transportation access, strengthening prevention and recovery initiatives, and identifying funding opportunities that support regional health priorities.
“This effort allows us to take a more coordinated and data-driven approach to community wellness,” Hanshaw said. “By working together, we can be proactive instead of reactive — identifying gaps, leveraging resources and positioning our region for long-term health improvements.”
FIVCO emphasized that the Council is designed to complement—not duplicate—existing local health initiatives. The goal is to strengthen communication, reduce fragmentation and create a unified regional strategy that aligns with FIVCO’s broader mission of supporting resilient, thriving communities.