The Medical Leader

Pikeville Medical Center, Pikeville College, and East Kentucky Broadcasting have had an overwhelming response to the Hearts for Haiti campaign.

The fundraising venture, which will conclude with a radiothon at Pikeville Medical Center from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 14, will benefit the American Red Cross and its efforts to assist the Haitian people.

“We are extremely pleased with the response from local businesses, churches, and civic organizations,” said Cindy May Johnson, vice president of East Kentucky Broadcasting. “The people of our region know firsthand the obstacles faced by those during a natural disaster. We are very confident that this fundraising campaign will be very successful.”

More than 150 donation containers have been placed throughout the region, including all Food City, Appalachian Wireless, Double Kwik, Quality Foods, Economy Drug, Velocity Market and Cardinal Mart locations. Additionally, containers can be found at Harley Davidson of Pikeville, Honda of Prestonsburg, Roy F. Collier Community Center in Inez, Family Bank, Infamous, Knott County Sports Complex, First Commonwealth Bank, Holly Hills Footwear at Hindman, Subway, Maggard’s Furniture, Rogers Petroleum/Autobahn Stores, Jewelry Doctors, Pike Automotive, and Quizno’s. More locations are becoming available daily.

All proceeds from the event will go to the American Red Cross.

Randy Johnson, a chaplain at Pikeville Medical Center, has distributed donation containers to local churches. “The Pike County Ministerial Association has opened their arms to our efforts,” Randy Johnson said. “We encourage all Christians to join us as we help the American Red Cross with its efforts to help the Haitian people rebuild their lives.”

The Shelby Valley High School boys’ state championship basketball team will be honored during a community celebration on Feb. 4, at the Shelby Valley Sports Center.

Activities will begin at 7 p.m.

Players will be available for interviews and autographs.

The school will have T-shirts and other items for sale.

The Wildcats beat Louisville DeSales on January 31 at Eastern Kentucky’s McBrayer Arena to win the school’s second straight Touchstone Energy All “A” Classic championship.

We encourage the public to turn out and support the Wildcats.

Cardiologist Dr. Rodney Handshoe has joined the staff of Pikeville Medical Center’s Heart Institute. Dr. Handshoe will practice on Tuesday through Thursday at the Heart Institute and on Mondays and Fridays at the newly opened Cardiology Clinic in Paintsville. To schedule an appointment, call (606) 218-2939.

The Heart Institute at Pikeville Medical Center, the region’s highest accredited Chest Pain Center, has announced an expansion of services with the addition of Dr. Rodney Handshoe.

An eastern Kentucky native, Dr. Handshoe cared for patients in eastern Kentucky for nearly 20 years before moving to central Kentucky in 2005. Pikeville Medical Center’s mission of providing quality regional healthcare in a Christian environment was a compelling reason for Dr. Handshoe to return home.

“As so many native eastern Kentuckians do, I am returning to my roots,” said Dr. Handshoe. “My wife and I are eager to be back home, and I am looking forward to joining Pikeville Medical Center’s Heart Institute as we care for the people of eastern Kentucky.”

Dr. Bill Harris, spokesman for the Heart Institute, says the addition of Dr. Handshoe to the Heart Institute staff is a benefit to the community. “Dr. Rodney Handshoe is a welcome addition to our staff. He is well-known and respected, and many patients will be glad to hear he has returned. Bringing on quality people like Dr. Handshoe certainly contributed to Pikeville Medical Center’s National Hospital of the Year award.”

Dr. Handshoe is now available to see patients. Office hours will be in Pikeville Tuesday through Thursday, and in Paintsville on Mondays and Fridays. Both offices will be open from 9:00 am till 4:30 pm. The Pikeville office is at the Heart Institute inside Pikeville Medical Center at 911 By-Pass Road. The Paintsville office is at the Cardiology Clinic at the Belhasen Complex on the South Mayo Trail.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rodney Handshoe or any staff member of Pikeville Medical Center’s Heart Institute, call 606-218-2939.