Health

Several healthcare groups have come together in a public-private partnership to fight cancer in Kentucky. The newly-formed Kentucky Cancer Foundation is part of a two-million-dollar initiative to help uninsured Kentuckians get cancer screenings.

The Indiana Senate is expected to take up a proposed statewide smoking ban this week. For the first time in six years, a House-passed smoking ban has advanced past the Senate committee level.

The Public Policy Committee voted 8-2 last week for the measure after hearing some four hours of public testimony.

Indianapolis-area tavern owner Wanda Goodpastor told the panel a ban would harm her business, as 80-percent of her customers are smokers.

The Leitchfield-based Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center and Norton Healthcare held a news conference to announce a formal affiliation agreement. Officials say the agreement will provide the staff at Twin Lakes access to on-line courses and training available through Norton University, and will lead to better coordination and continuity of care for patients who require specialized or tertiary care.