HAZARD, KY, Aug. 31 — Humana, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, donated over 940 individual pieces of fitness equipment to Hazard High School, Appalachian Arts Alliance Studio Be’s App Arts Movement Studio, and Pikeville YMCA — all located in the Appalachian Kentucky region. The equipment was delivered to all three locations on Aug. 20, 2026.
“As a company proudly rooted in Kentucky, we’re committed to investing in the health and well-being of communities across our home state,” says Jeb Duke, Humana Senior Vice President and Medicaid Division Leader. “Through our partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, these fitness equipment donations will help create more opportunities for people in Eastern Kentucky to stay active, connected and healthy. We know that whole-person health goes beyond medical care, and strong communities play an important role in helping people live their healthiest lives.”
In April, Humana reached out to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky to request suggestions for groups that might benefit from the equipment, as well as help with facilitating the donations. Foundation staff made inquiries in several Appalachian Kentucky counties and connected Humana with the school, studio, and YMCA. Hazard High School received over 50 pieces of equipment, Studio Be’s App Arts Movement Studio received over 170 pieces, and Pikeville YMCA received over 700 pieces. These groups will use the donations to serve their communities by offering access to high-quality fitness equipment.
“Partnerships like this are a great example of what can happen when we listen to our communities, understand their needs, and connect them with resources that can make a real difference,” says Kristin Walker Collins, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. “We are grateful to Humana for trusting the Foundation to help place this equipment where it can have a meaningful, lasting impact. Whether it’s a school, an arts and movement space, or a YMCA, these organizations are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, and we are proud to help strengthen the work they are already doing.”
This partnership between the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and Humana is an example of how the Foundation serves as a rural development hub in the Appalachian Kentucky region. According to the Aspen Institute, a rural development hub “is a place-rooted organization that works across a region to coordinate partners, strengthen local capacity, and connect community priorities with resources and investment.” As a community foundation serving all of Appalachian Kentucky, the Foundation plays the role of a connector, helping guide resources to the areas of the region that need them most. These equipment donations will have a big impact in Appalachian Kentucky, thanks to Humana’s generosity.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky:
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is a tax-exempt, nationally-accredited community foundation serving Appalachian Kentucky, pooling donations to address local needs and support local nonprofits. They empower local communities through their affiliate network, fostering collaboration for a stronger region. They believe that investing in the people rooted in communities is the way to make them better.
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