Hartford, Kentucky (Friday, April 24, 2026) — Ohio County Healthcare (OCH) wants to thank Perdue Farms for providing nutritious protein to 1,000 healthcare workers and first responders across Ohio County. The donation serves as a meaningful gesture of gratitude to those who dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of the community each day.
Perdue delivered a truckload of chicken products to OCH on Friday, where associates from the company’s Cromwell operations joined OCH team members in distributing boxes of protein to hospital employees and local first responders.
“Ohio County Healthcare has worked alongside Perdue Farms for more than 30 years to provide outstanding care to the communities we mutually serve. As a proud supporter of the statewide Food Is Medicine initiative, OCH values the alignment between healthcare and agriculture in expanding access to nutritious food,” said Shellie Shouse, CEO of Ohio County Healthcare. “Perdue’s generous donation of a healthy protein source to each OCH employee and local first responders is a meaningful way to say thank you to the men and women who answer the call without hesitation and care for our community when it matters most.”
Perdue Farms shared that the donation reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the communities where its associates live and work.
“Healthcare professionals and first responders, who ensure the health and safety of their community every day, are the backbone of Ohio County,” said Allen Pavlovich, director of operations at Perdue. “This is a small way to show our gratitude for their tireless service and help nourish them and their families.”
Local emergency management leaders also emphasized the importance of strong community partnerships.
“Our ability to respond to emergencies relies on a whole community approach. First responders and healthcare professionals are essential partners in that effort, and this generous outreach from Perdue reflects a genuine appreciation for the commitment to readiness, collaboration, and public safety made possible through this strong partnership,” said Charlie Shields, director of Ohio County Emergency Management. “We are grateful for Perdue’s community‑minded spirit and continued engagement.”
The donation aligns with Perdue’s Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors® initiative, which focuses on improving quality of life and strengthening communities across the region.
Ohio County Healthcare is a non-profit Joint Commission accredited health system which provides a wide range of hospital, primary care and specialty physician services.
Ohio County Healthcare offers a broad range of healthcare across a diverse landscape.
Ohio County Healthcare | 1211 Old Main Street, Hartford, KY 42347
