Melissa Patrick

Melissa Patrick is a reporter for Kentucky Health News, an independent news service of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, based in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky, with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. She has received several competitive fellowships, including the 2016-17 Nursing and Health Care Workforce Media Fellow of the Center for Health, Media & Policy, which allowed her to focus on and write about nursing workforce issues in Kentucky; and the year-long Association of Health Care Journalists 2017-18 Regional Health Journalism Program fellowship. She is a former registered nurse and holds degrees in journalism and community leadership and development from UK.

Heat puts Kentucky workers at risk; proper safety precautions needed

One way to protect workers from heat-related injury is through legislation, which so far has proven unsuccessful.

By Melissa Patrick

Kentucky hospitals receive mixed grades in latest patient safety report

Jennie Stuart Health was among 17 Kentucky hospitals to receive a C in the latest Leapfrog Group report card, which grades hospitals on patient safety measures.

By Melissa Patrick

Final round-up: health-related bills passed during 2026 legislative session, including veto overrides

Kentucky lawmakers overrode Gov. Andy Beshear’s vetoes of several health bills — including Medicaid changes and oversight measures — while advancing a slate of new laws and studies aimed at reshaping health care access, costs and workforce challenges statewide.

By Melissa Patrick

Clocks ‘spring forward’ on March 8; here are tips for maintaining good sleep habits with the change

By Melissa Patrick

Kentucky overdose alert system issues nonfatal, drug overdose alert in Christian County

State health officials have issued a nonfatal drug overdose alert for Christian County after nine suspected overdoses were reported in a five-day span, marking the fourth alert in Kentucky this month and prompting renewed calls for residents to carry naloxone and seek treatment resources.

By Melissa Patrick

What the doctor ordered: Tips to stay healthy and safe during holidays

Kentucky Health News outlines tips for good choices during holidays "so you can start 2026 feeling your best."

By Melissa Patrick

Kentuckians urged to prioritize their eye health during National Eye Exam Month

Eyes exams are required for first-time students, new drivers and anyone renewing a driver’s license.

By Melissa Patrick

Health officials report a confirmed measles case in Kentucky, say it’s preventable with vaccination

This is the first case of measles in Kentucky since 2023.

By Melissa Patrick

Kentucky has ‘very high’ rate of respiratory illness

Multiple viruses, including flu, RSV and COVID-19, have contributed to the state’s high activity level.

By Melissa Patrick

Medicaid rate improvements boosting health of Kentucky hospitals and their patients

State laws boosting Medicaid payments to hospitals are working well, a legislative committee was recently told.

By Melissa Patrick

Every household can get free COVID-19 tests by mail, starting in late September

The test will detect the current variants and can be used through the end of the year.

By Melissa Patrick

Kentucky to provide Medicaid coverage to people nearing release from prison, juvenile detention

The program started as a demonstration focused on treatment for substance-use disorder during incarceration.

By Melissa Patrick