Today, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky announced a continuation of their work together to grow the number of frontline healthcare workers in the eastern region of the state, increase access to care and improve health outcomes for more Kentuckians. The Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship is a fellowship for graduate students, building upon the four-year partnership between Anthem and EKU to support students seeking higher levels of medical education.
Anthem has committed an additional $100,000 to the scholarship endowment, increasing the total investment at EKU to nearly $400,000 since the establishment of the partnership in 2021. This expansion not only enriches EKU’s health science program, but also empowers students to provide care in underserved, rural communities. Including this year’s three recipients, 16 EKU students have been awarded the Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Anthem to offer students educational opportunities through the Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “The impact of the Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship cannot be overstated. The initiative improves college access and affordability as well as brings more local providers to Eastern Kentucky.”
According to the Kentucky Hospital Association’s 2024 Workforce Survey Report, Kentucky hospitals reported more than 8,000 vacancies across 14 professional groups in 2024. Nursing topped the list with 16.5% of all nursing positions unfilled. Staffing shortages, coupled with the state’s high prevalence of multiple chronic conditions, reinforce the need to expand the healthcare workforce in the Commonwealth.
Today’s announcement builds on Anthem’s recent partnerships with several other higher education institutions across Kentucky to address these needs, including Hazard Community & Technical College, Murray State University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University. Since 2021, Anthem has invested nearly $1 million to expand education and access to rural healthcare across the Commonwealth.
“Anthem is committed to closing the gap in health disparities and supporting Kentucky’s workforce through the implementation of innovative solutions that can reinvent healthcare across the state,” said Dr. Lori Caloia, medical director of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Eastern Kentucky University to expand support for students pursuing healthcare education. This effort helps improve the availability of high-quality care in every corner of the state, particularly in our rural and underserved communities where the need is most pronounced.”
Eastern Kentucky lawmakers, EKU alumni State Representative Deanna Frazier Gordon (R-KY) and State Senator Jared Carpenter (R-KY), joined the chorus of individuals celebrating the impact of the Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship.
“As a proud Colonel alumna, Anthem’s ongoing support and investment in EKU’s health science program and its students is extraordinary,” said Rep. Frazier Gordon. “Healthcare education ensures not only access for the future but job security for so many young people. It’s an exciting time to watch our community grow and for Eastern Kentuckians to get the healthcare they deserve.”
“It’s vitally important that we continue to support the healthcare heroes and community members who are making a difference in the lives of so many of our family, friends and neighbors,” added Sen. Carpenter. “I’m thrilled to see Anthem and EKU continuing their vital work to do just that for my constituents by supporting the students who will be on the frontlines.”
The recipients of the 2025 Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship are Christa Ann Carlin, Chassidy Paige Keeton and Morgan Elizabeth Hamilton.