At last week’s meeting, the Princeton Rotary Club gained valuable insights into the extensive range of programs and services offered by the Pennyrile District Health Department.
Director Ashley Tyler, originally from Caldwell County, has lived in Trigg County for 15 years with her husband and two adult children. A registered nurse, she began her public health career in 2004 at the Pennyrile District Health Department, working with the HANDS program for seven years before transitioning to school health in Graves and Todd counties. In 2021, she returned to her home at the Pennyrile District Health Department, which serves Caldwell, Crittenden, Livingston, Lyon, and Trigg counties.
Tyler said she often refers to public health as an “invisible hero” when explaining its role to others.
click to download audioShe pointed out that evaluating the value of public health is challenging since prevention is hard to measure.
click to download audioTyler explained that the Pennyrile District Health Department manages the health departments in each of its service counties, supported by a staff of over 40 people.
click to download audioShe noted that the Clinical Services program is probably the most recognized among the services they offer.
click to download audioTyler highlighted that data collection is key to public health prevention. Upon returning to the Pennyrile Health District in 2021, she observed a rise in teen pregnancies after the family clinic program was cut due to funding issues. This led to a Teen Birth Control Clinic being established, a Title X facility offering birth control services to those 19 and under.
click to download audioShe also highlighted several other services offered by the health department, such as tobacco prevention, vaping education, CPR training, environmental services, and emergency preparedness, among others.
To listen to Tyler’s full presentation, click on the audio link below:
