 Friday, June 6, 2025
Public health alert: Do not consume
7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
and Kratom products
Kratom, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and kratom leaves are made into a variety of products such as drinks, pills, teas, gummies, and more, to self-treat conditions such as pain, coughing, diarrhea, anxiety, depression, opioid use disorder, and opioid withdrawal.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy advises the public not to consume 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and kratom products due to the risk of severe adverse reactions, which include but are not limited to:
- Liver toxicity
- Seizures
- Addiction
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in newborns following prolonged exposure to kratom before birth
Kratom has been identified as a drug of concern by the Drug Enforcement Administration and has NOT been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use in any drug or supplement products in the U.S. due to the risk of serious negative health effects.
There are no guarantees that kratom products contain the ingredients that the packages claim, that active ingredients are present in the correct concentrations, or that products are free from contaminants or other drugs. Kratom in its modern forms, especially 7-OH when concentrated or synthetically made, poses new and serious risks to the health and safety of consumers.
For more information, please visit the FDA website.
Farmers Markets welcome WIC and SNAP recipients
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Louisville residents utilizing SNAP, WIC, or Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) benefits can enhance their purchasing power at local farmers' markets through programs like Kentucky Double Dollars (KDD) and the Fresh Rx for Moms. These programs aim to make fresh, locally grown produce more accessible and affordable.
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Gray Street Farmers’ Market, 400 E. Gray St., June 5-Sept. 25 Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Offers a Triple Dollar program, matching up to $20 of SNAP benefits with an additional $40, totaling $60 to spend on eligible items.
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Phoenix Hill/NuLu Farmers' Market, 1007 E. Jefferson St., May 20-Oct. 28, Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m.: Participates in the KDD program, allowing SNAP users to double up to $20 for additional fruits, vegetables, and other eligible items.
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Rainbow Blossom Farmers’ Market, 3738 Lexington Road, May 12-Nov. 24, Sundays, 12-4 p.m.: Participates in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and WIC.
- Westport Road Farmers’ Market, 9705 Westport Road, April 26-Oct. 25,
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Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Participates in WIC and Senior Farmers Program.
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Jeffersontown Farmers’ Market,10434 Watterson Trail, April 27-Oct. 26, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Participates in WIC and Senior Farmers Nutrition Program.
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Riverside Farmers’ Market, 7410 Moorman Road, June 1-Sept. 28 (closed for Labor Day, August 31), Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Participates in SNAP -- only select vendors.
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Shively Farmers’ & Artisans Market, 3920 Dixie Hwy., June 7-Oct. 25 (Biweekly), Biweekly Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Participates in WIC and Senior Farmers Program.
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Douglass Loop Farmers' Market, 2005 Douglass Blvd., April 12- Dec. 20, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Participates in WIC and Senior Farmers Nutrition Program.
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West End Farmers’ Market, California Park - 1104 S. 16th St., May 4-Oct. 5 (Biweekly), Biweekly Sundays, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Participates in SNAP, Kentucky Double Dollars (KDD) and the Fresh Rx for Moms.
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Bardstown Road Farmers' Market, 1722 Bardstown Road, open year-round on Saturdays, April-Oct., 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Nov.-March 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Participates in SNAP and Senior Farmers Nutrition Program.
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Old Louisville Farmers’ Market, 251 W. Ormsby, May 10-Nov. 8 (Biweekly), Biweekly Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: SNAP only.
Take steps to have a healthy summer with kids
 The summer months are full of opportunities for kids to get outside, spend time with friends and family, and recharge for another busy school year.
Protect against the heat. You can have fun in the sun while staying hydrated and protected from harmful rays.
- Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and don’t forget to reapply as needed throughout the day
- Wear clothing that shades skin from the sun or has built-in sun protection
- Drink plenty of water: Use a colorful water bottle as a reminder to stay hydrated throughout the day
Find ways to stay active. There are lots of ways to stay physically and mentally healthy in the summer. Louisville has many great parks for individuals and families to enjoy.
- Learn a sport with friends in the neighborhood or at a local park
- Take a walk in the park and count how many steps you take
- Rest is a healthy part of an active routine. Establish a plan to get enough sleep each night and stick to it
Prevent summertime injuries. Take the extra steps to put safety first at home, on the go, and everywhere in between.
- Wear a helmet on bikes, scooters, skateboards, or anything else on wheels
- On playgrounds and amusement parks, always follow safety signs
- Travel smart: Keep a first aid kit nearby, buckle up for safety, and never leave kids or pets in a hot car
Be safe in and around water. During summer trips to the beach, lake, and pool, keep water safety in mind.
- Wear a life jacket when participating in activities on the water
- Practice safe swimming: Sign up for swim lessons and only swim in designated or supervised areas
- Take a water safety class to learn more about CPR and what to do in a water emergency
Read more about sun safety at from the American Cancer Society.
Read more about preventing summertime injuries from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Read more about water safety from the American Red Cross.
June puts spotlight on
National Cancer Survivor Month
 There's a lot we still don't know about cancer. While some cancers can be treated and prevented, it is important that we keep learning about the causes of cancer. The Southern Environmental Health Study seeks to do just that.
You can make a difference today by participating in research to help understand why some people do and do not get different cancers.
You do NOT need to be a cancer patient to participate. Compensation provided.
For more information, please call 855-710-9489 or learn more about the study.
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