For students who want to do meaningful, purpose-driven work in a high-demand field with job security, strong earning potential, flexibility, and the opportunity for professional growth, careers in healthcare are an ideal choice.
To demonstrate that potential locally, the Community Connections program recently organized a field trip for a group of 18 Graves County High School students so they could learn what it means to work in different healthcare segments. The students heard from Director Riley Beth Willett from the Graves County Health Department (GCHD), Baptist Health Business Development Director Reis Driver, and Mayfield Fire Chief Jeremy Creason.
“One of the great parts of this field trip was connecting the present to the future,” said Eric Walker, community education director for Graves County and Mayfield Independent Schools. “The students heard about the current state of healthcare in our region, but they also heard about how it will be impacted and evolve as we witness more economic development here in the Jackson Purchase. Bringing in more opportunities draws more people, and that means more demands for a wide range of healthcare, from our local health departments to clinics and hospitals to our emergency medical services.
“It was an eye-opening experience,” he added.
“It was a pleasure speaking with the Graves County High School students about Baptist Health,” said Driver. “Their preparation for college and beyond is truly impressive, and the future is bright for both Graves County and West Kentucky. I’m genuinely excited to see all they will accomplish.”
Baptist Health Paducah is a regional healthcare leader serving western Kentucky and southern Illinois, providing comprehensive medical services including emergency care, surgical services, heart and vascular care, cancer treatment, orthopedics, women’s and children’s services, and advanced diagnostic imaging. In addition to physicians and nurses, Baptist Health offers careers in allied health specialties such as radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, laboratory science, pharmacy, and rehabilitation services, as well as in healthcare administration, information technology, human resources,
maintenance, dietary services, and patient support roles. The Baptist Health Clinic in Mayfield provides primary and specialty care services and supports careers in nursing, medical assisting, patient registration, clinical support, office administration, and care coordination.
“It was a privilege to speak with students about the vital role the Graves County Health Department plays in protecting and strengthening our community,” said Willett. “I thoroughly enjoyed talking with them, learning about the careers they hope to pursue, answering their questions, and encouraging them to get involved in making a difference locally.”
GCHD serves as the primary public health agency for Graves County. Its mission is to promote the lifelong physical and emotional well-being of the community through preventive health services, health education, and environmental protection. The Health Department provides preventive care such as immunizations, health screenings, family planning, WIC services, and harm reduction programs. Their team supports environmental health through restaurant inspections, septic system oversight, and public health preparedness planning. They also focus on health education, community outreach, and coalition-building efforts to address local health challenges and promote healthy lifestyles.
Mayfield Fire Chief Jeremy Creason wants to see these students find meaningful careers here at home. “It is imperative that we educate our future healthcare professionals about both the needs of our citizens and the career opportunities available to them as they pursue education in their chosen fields right here at home,” said Creason. “These future physicians, therapists, nurses, and paramedics have the opportunity to make Mayfield and Graves County an even better place to live, and I hope programs like this open their eyes to the benefits of serving within our local healthcare system.”
The Mayfield Fire Department is a professional municipal fire and emergency services organization dedicated to protecting lives, property, and the environment for the City of Mayfield and surrounding parts of Graves County. It operates around the clock to respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous situations, and other urgent calls for help.
The department is staffed by career firefighters and emergency medical personnel trained in fire suppression, rescue operations, emergency medical care, and fire prevention education. Many members are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics and participate in ongoing training throughout the year.
Community Connections is an innovative workforce development program meant to help students learn about local career opportunities and build relationships that could lead to internships, job shadowing, and other professional development opportunities. Community Connections is coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (GCED) in partnership with Graves County and Mayfield Independent Schools, the City of Mayfield, Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the West Kentucky Workforce Board.
“We are incredibly grateful to our healthcare partners who opened their doors and took the time to invest in our students,” said Katie Beth McCord, executive director, Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce. “When students can physically step inside these facilities, see the environment, and hear directly from professionals about the wide range of careers available, it means more. Experiences like this help our students see that meaningful, rewarding healthcare careers aren’t just something they read about, they exist right here at home in our community.”
The Mayfield-Graves County Chamber of Commerce is a proactive partner dedicated to the success of the Mayfield and Graves County business community. They exist to educate, advocate, support, and convene, creating opportunities for growth and success for businesses of all sizes. Through connection, collaboration, and leadership, the Chamber works to strengthen our local economy while fostering an environment where businesses and the community can thrive together. By uniting business leaders, facilitating education, and championing advocacy, the chamber aims to empower its members and shape a stronger, more prosperous future for Mayfield and Graves County.
GCED President Jason Lemle said his organization aims to keep our best and brightest closer to home, providing the skilled workforce local employers need to thrive. “Community Connections is helping us bridge the gap between school and work, making sure that every student has a chance to make connections that will help guide their future,” said Lemle. “We are very grateful to our hosts for investing their time and energy to help these students become valued members of our community in the years ahead.”
Community Connections visits continue throughout the school year.