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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.

Measles update: There are now 49 cases in current outbreak and 7 hospitalizations

Christian County remains the center of Kentucky’s current measles outbreak, with 20 of the state’s 49 confirmed cases as of Sept. 21. Cases also continue to rise in neighboring Trigg County, which has reported 10.
By Melissa Patrick
42963511 - prescription form clipped to pad lying on table with keyboard and stethoscope. medicine or pharmacy concept. empty medical form ready to be used

Measles cases in Kentucky continue to rise; all ages can get vaccination

Of 35 cases in the current outbreak, 14 are in Christian County.
By Melissa Patrick
42963511 - prescription form clipped to pad lying on table with keyboard and stethoscope. medicine or pharmacy concept. empty medical form ready to be used

Report: More than 40,000 Kentuckians have recently lost SNAP benefits

About 42,000 Kentuckians have lost SNAP benefits since the implementation of House Resolution 1, increasing pressure on food banks, churches and local economies.
By Melissa Patrick
SNAP logo

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
(Canva photo)

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
Jennie Stuart Medical Center exterior

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
The south-east facade of the Kentucky State Capitol building located in Frankfort, Kentucky. (Creative Commons photo by Tedd Liggett)

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

By Melissa Patrick
time clocks

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
Naloxone

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
thanksgiving-dinner-table-feature

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
A display of eyeglass frames. (Hoptown Chronicle photo by Jennifer P. Brown)

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
measles on child's cheek

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
CDC-map-acute-respiratory-illness-through-Jan.-11-2025
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