By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
Across the Bluegrass, health is more than just a personal matter—it’s something we often experience together as a community. That’s the heart of the One Health Initiative, a statewide effort led by the University of Kentucky and supported by The Bill Gatton Foundation. Its mission is to highlight the vital connections between the health of people, animals, and the environment.
Kentucky One Health Week 2025—observed Oct. 26 through Nov. 1—brings this mission to life with the theme, “Healthier Together: People. Animals. Planet.” Whether it’s clean water, safe food or strong communities, our well-being is deeply tied to the world around us. What affects one affects us all.
Your Carter County Extension Service plays a key role in this initiative. Extension serves as the link between university research and everyday life. We’re not just sharing information—we’re helping Kentuckians turn knowledge into action. Through local events and practical information on nutrition, agriculture and environmental care, Extension helps build healthier habits across the Commonwealth.
During One Health Week, you may come across social media posts highlighting healthy soils, tick-borne disease, food safety and animal care. You might also hear radio messages encouraging you to move more, eat well or check in on a neighbor. These reminders reflect how individual choices can strengthen families and communities.
One Health is more than a call to personal action—it’s a collaborative solution to complex challenges. By connecting people, animals and the environment, the initiative is laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Kentucky.
Backed by UK’s 16 colleges, hundreds of academic programs and a network of community partnerships, the UK Cooperative Extension Service is helping build a healthier future together.
To learn more about One Health or get involved in One Health Week, contact your Carter County Extension office, or visit https://onehealth.ca.uky.edu. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
- The last day for this season’s Olive Hill Farmer’s Market is Wednesday, October 29th. The market is located in the Save-a-Lot parking and will be open from 10:00 AM until sell out.
- Little Sandy Beekeepers – November 4th @ 6:30 PM – Topic: Pesticide & Bees
- East KY Hay Contest Awards Program – November 6th @ 6:00 PM – In addition to the announcement of winners, producers will also learn to read their hay sample reports and gain tips for feeding horses and cattle. Please call 474-6686 to register.
- Ag Advancement Council – November 10th @ 6:00 PM
- Extension District Board – November 11th @ 10:00 AM
