Cancer does not recognize demographics it does not know age, sex, race, religion or zip code and this is why I lead the effort among my colleges to help raise nearly $50,000 for the new van that was parked in front of Louisville's historic City Hall last week. 

Kentucky has a lung cancer death rate that is nearly 50 percent higher than the national average, and it is my hope that this new van will help us reduce that percentage significantly by offering screenings for the early detection of lung cancer.

The van will also have the ability to offer screenings for 6 other types of cancers including breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer and head and neck cancers. 

The custom-built cancer screening unit is 40 feet in length, with an exterior design featuring a Horses and Hope theme and acknowledgment of project partners and sponsors. The full list of sponsors can be viewed here. 

The interior includes a reception area with monitors for educational videos, patient changing rooms, a patient examination room, digital mammography equipment, space for supportive laboratory services and a passenger cab area. A motorized retractable awning on the outside of the coach will provide expanded space for patient reception, registration and education.

This new van has the ability to bring quality health care to the people who need it most by parking it directly in their neighborhood.  I am thankful for the leaders at KentuckyOne Health and my council colleagues who joined me in this worthwhile endeavor aimed at improving our community’s health.

By a vote of 25-1, the Louisville Metro Council has given its approval to spending the mid-year budget revenue forecast of $9.9 million along with $2.8 in budget adjustments. Nearly 2/3’s  of the funding allocated is slated to go towards roads and sidewalks.

I believe this plan represents a thoughtful approach that will maximize the available surplus dollars and it takes a step toward addressing our city’s serious infrastructure needs as well as allocating funding for other important community assets,

The Metro Council slated $8.15 million additional dollars for road paving and sidewalk repairs in the 2015 – 2016 fiscal year. Half of this new allocation will be spent on paving for neighborhood streets. There will be capital designated spending for each of the 26 Metro Council district of $650,000 or $25,000 per district.

Other Budget recommendations include:

$1,000,000 St. Matthews Library Improvements – matched by the city of St. Matthews for a total of $4.5 million for expansion of the library
$400,000 Summer Works Youth Employment Program
$500,000 Louisville Zoo for General Repairs
$500,000 Dixie Highway TIGER Grant – part of a $17 million grant
$500,000 Healing Place Capital Campaign
$500,000 Central Business District Sidewalk Repairs – match of a state grant for an overall total of $2 million for repairs
$350,000 to the Rebound Project of the Louisville Urban League
$500,000 for LMPD Division 2 roof

With the Metro Council’s approval, the measure now goes to Mayor Greg Fischer for his signature.

The local Dare to Care Food Bank was created to ensure that no one in our community lacks enough food to live an active, healthy life. Today Dare to Care partners with non-profit organizations in 13 counties to distribute food to those in our community who are challenged by food insecurity.

Currently, Dare to Care is seeking partnering organizations to operate food pantries in northeast Jefferson County, specifically in the 40025, 40059, 40222, 40223, 40241, 40242, 40243 and 40245 zip codes. 

An ideal partner organization has the capacity to provide a designated pantry space to store food, and have a team of committed volunteers to administer / operate a pantry program.  An ideal partner may be a church or a non-profit organization incorporated for the purpose of serving those in need. Please forward this on to anyone you think may be part of an organization with an interest to partner with Dare to Care.

To learn more about potential partnership with Dare to Care, please contact Laura Frankrone, at 502-736-9423 or laura.frankrone@daretocare.org.

The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is now offering Louisville Metro homeowners free soil testing there is a limit of 2 tests per household.

Although fertilizer, lime, and other amendments can be very helpful in establishing happy, healthy plants and lawns, they pose a risk if not used properly. Excess fertilizer and chemicals wash away with rainwater and can pollute our local streams and waterways. 

The first guideline of responsible fertilizer application is to take a soil sample and have it analyzed to determine fertilizer needs. The SWCD will be offering a soils test incentive program to offset the costs for Louisville Metro residents. The SWCD will provide up to 2 vouchers per household to cover the cost of the processing fee for a standard soils test. 

Anyone wishing to participate in this incentive program must request the soils test voucher(s) from the Conservation District office. Please email your voucher request to: joy.edwards@ky.nacdnet.net. Please be sure that the email includes your name, physical address, phone number and if you want one or two vouchers. The soil vouchers along with you r soil sample should be taken to the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service at 810 Barret Avenue for testing. Questions—call 502.499.1900