EKU Plans Center for Health Innovation to Address Kentucky's Healthcare Needs

The proposed facility aims to expand medical education and research opportunities across multiple disciplines.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:40pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image showing the internal structure of various medical equipment and tools within a modern simulation lab, conceptually representing the advanced learning facilities planned for EKU's new Center for Health Innovation.An X-ray view of the advanced medical simulation equipment and learning spaces planned for EKU's new Center for Health Innovation.Richmond Today

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is seeking funding to establish a Center for Health Innovation, which would include a proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine. The center is designed to address healthcare workforce shortages and provide interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students in fields like nursing, occupational therapy, public health, and emergency medical care.

Why it matters

Kentucky faces significant healthcare challenges, especially in rural areas, and the Center for Health Innovation aims to train the next generation of medical professionals to meet the state's evolving needs. By integrating multiple health-related programs, the center will foster collaborative learning and prepare students for the complexities of modern medicine.

The details

The Center for Health Innovation will feature state-of-the-art learning spaces and clinical simulation labs, allowing students to gain real-world experience alongside other healthcare teams. EKU is also working with industry partners to design the facility and expose students to diverse professional settings before graduation.

  • EKU is seeking funding for the Center for Health Innovation and escrow funds for the College of Osteopathic Medicine during the 2026 legislative session.
  • The escrow funds are a mandatory requirement set by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) to allow the school to move forward with accreditation.

The players

David McFaddin

The president of Eastern Kentucky University, who stated that the Center for Health Innovation is a 'generational project' that will improve the health and well-being of communities across the Commonwealth.

Dr. Brad Hall

EKU's chief medical and strategic partnerships officer, who described the Center for Health Innovation as a state-of-the-art facility for modern medical education with learning spaces and clinical simulation labs.

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What they’re saying

“This is a generational project that will improve the health and well-being of our communities. The Center for Health Innovation will bring 3,000 students in health-related majors into a space where they can learn in an environment similar to what they will experience in the healthcare field. This ensures our graduates are ready to meet the healthcare needs of Kentuckians on day one of their careers.”

— David McFaddin, President, Eastern Kentucky University

“EKU envisions the Center for Health Innovation as a state-of-the-art facility for modern medical education, featuring learning spaces and clinical simulation labs.”

— Dr. Brad Hall, Chief Medical and Strategic Partnerships Officer, Eastern Kentucky University

What’s next

EKU will be working directly with industry partners to design the clinical lab spaces and expose students to a variety of professional healthcare settings before they graduate.

The takeaway

The Center for Health Innovation represents EKU's commitment to addressing Kentucky's healthcare workforce needs, particularly in rural areas, by providing interdisciplinary education and training opportunities that will prepare the next generation of medical professionals.