Public Health at Work: Partnerships That Strengthen Scott County (Part 2)
Submitted by Rachel Winkle, Public Health Director, WEDCO District Health Department
In Part 1 of this series, we explored how WEDCO District Health Department works behind the scenes to prevent disease, inspect public facilities, investigate illnesses, and protect the health of our community before a crisis occurs.
Public health is also built on partnerships. By working alongside local organizations, healthcare providers, first responders, schools, businesses, and government agencies, we help create a healthier, safer, and more resilient Scott County.
Stronger Through Community Partnerships
Health is influenced by more than infectious disease. It is also shaped by access to care, healthy pregnancies and childhood development, mental health, substance-use prevention and treatment, safe environments, and emergency preparedness.
WEDCO works alongside schools, healthcare providers, first responders, law enforcement, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners. Our services and partnerships include maternal and child health support, health education, behavioral health initiatives, harm-reduction outreach, emergency preparedness, and connections to medical and social resources.
No single organization can meet every need. Public health is most effective when agencies work together, share information, and develop solutions that reflect the community they serve.
Saving Lives Through Harm Reduction
Preventing disease and protecting health also means addressing substance use with practical, evidence-based strategies. WEDCO partners with local law enforcement, EMS, healthcare providers, treatment organizations, and other community partners to prevent overdoses and connect people with care.
Those efforts are making a difference. Kentucky's annual overdose reports show Scott County overdose deaths declined from 17 in 2023 to 10 in 2025. While every life lost is one too many, this progress reflects the impact of a coordinated community response.
Harm reduction is one part of that approach. WEDCO's confidential Syringe Service Program provides access to sterile supplies, naloxone, health screenings, vaccinations, overdose prevention education, safe disposal, and referrals to treatment and recovery services. These programs help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, reduce overdose deaths, protect first responders and the public, and create opportunities to connect individuals with healthcare and recovery resources.
Harm reduction is not a replacement for prevention or treatment—it is a bridge that helps keep people alive and healthy while opening the door to recovery.
Preparing for Scott County's Future
As Scott County grows, so does the demand for inspections, disease investigations, clinical services, emergency planning, education, and outreach. WEDCO is committed to growing alongside our community by strengthening partnerships, using reliable data, expanding access, and preparing our workforce for emerging needs.
Public health may be most visible during an outbreak or emergency, but its greatest value is often found in the work performed every day to prevent a crisis or lessen its impact.
A restaurant meal enjoyed safely, a child protected from disease, an illness prevented from spreading, an overdose reversed, and a family connected with support are all examples of public health at work.
At WEDCO, we are proud to serve Scott County and help build a community where residents, families, and businesses can thrive. Protecting public health does more than prevent disease—it strengthens the future of the community we all call home.
Data note: The 2025 overdose data are provisional, and totals based on small numbers should be interpreted with caution.
