Owsley County Residents Access Nursing Home, Regional Health and Social Services

Owsley County residents access health and social services through a mix of county-level providers, regional clinics and hospitals in neighboring counties, and state programs, a network that matters in a county where poverty and distance shape access to care.

The Owsley County Medical/Dental Clinic in Booneville was opened by Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation under Lois Baker in October 1983 after the county spent nearly a year without medical treatment. The clinic now operates as a medical practice with one primary care physician, three nurse practitioners and 20 employees at 826 KY Highway 11 North; appointments and inquiries can be made by calling 606-593-6395. Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation says the clinic’s mission is “to utilize all available resources to provide affordable, quality health care to those persons residing in its service area and especially to those individual residents who are medically under-served.” A sliding scale fee program is available for patients who meet federal guidelines; MCHC states, “As a community oriented clinic, we feel it is our duty to see all patients regardless of their ability to pay for services. By providing the sliding scale fee program we assure that all persons are available to receive [...]”

Long-term care for county residents is anchored by the county-owned Owsley County Health Care Center in Booneville. The facility is described in its profile as providing “comprehensive medical and personal care services, tailored to meet the individual needs of its residents. Its dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure health and safety, as well as emotional and social well-being.” The profile adds that “Owsley County Health Care Center in Booneville, Kentucky, is a county-owned nursing home offering compassionate care and personalized services. With skilled nursing, therapy, and various activities, it creates a nurturing environment for residents to thrive.” Online ratings captured in the profile show a Google rating of 5.00 based on 2 reviews; readers should seek facility licensure and inspection details when deciding on care.

Public health and social services extend beyond clinic and nursing home. The Owsley County Health Department in Booneville provides essential public health services and links to county resources; hours and specific program schedules vary. Senior services are centered at Owsley County Senior Citizens, 275 Hwy 28 South, Booneville; Anna Marshall is listed as Director of Social Services and the center can be reached at 606-593-5594. Regional supports include Kentucky River Area Development District programs - such as adult day care, Alzheimer’s respite, case management, meals (congregate and home delivered), transportation and a Nursing Home Ombudsman - and community action agencies including Middle Kentucky River Community Action Partnership (Breathitt County Courthouse, 1127 Main St., Jackson; Brenda Begby, 606-666-2453) and LKLP Community Action Agency (phones: 606-642-3332, 606-439-0329, 606-436-1362; toll-free 1-800-633-7651). Benefits counseling is available through the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund in Prestonsburg (120 North Front Ave.; Director Larry York).

These services sit against a backdrop MCHC highlights: a population now about half its 1940 size and high poverty levels - a child poverty rate of 55 percent and a total poverty rate of 45 percent - conditions that increase reliance on sliding-scale care, home-delivered meals and transportation. For residents, the practical next step is to call listed numbers to confirm hours, enrollment and eligibility for sliding-scale or transportation help; agencies and the health department remain the first stop for arranging primary care, long-term care placement or senior supports. Longer term, sustaining local primary care and expanding wraparound supports will be essential to reduce travel burdens and health inequities for Owsley County families.