Author

Sarah Ladd

Sarah Ladd

Sarah Ladd is a Louisville-based journalist from West Kentucky who's covered everything from crime to higher education. She spent nearly two years on the metro breaking news desk at The Courier Journal. In 2020, she started reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic and has covered health ever since. As the Kentucky Lantern's health reporter, she focuses on mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, children's welfare, COVID-19 and more.

Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

Some ‘in limbo’ more than a year after deadly floods hit Eastern Kentucky

By: - August 17, 2023

More than a year after four feet of water flooded her house, Nancy Herald still doesn’t know when – or if – she’ll return to the home that’s been in her family for nearly five decades.? Driving past the homeplace, even, is too painful. Sometimes she goes inside; sometimes she just passes quietly. And sometimes, […]

How to get free health screenings, unlimited rides at Kentucky State Fair

By: - August 16, 2023

During the State Fair, which begins Thursday, folks who get vaccinations at the Health Horizons Pavilion in South Wing B will get unlimited ride wristbands, courtesy of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans.? Vaccine recipients will also get the chance to win bonus rides, food vouchers and $25 gift cards from 10 a.m. to 5 […]

Breaking the stigma: ADHD can make rejection feel even worse?

By: - August 14, 2023

Sitting in high school classes was “always a struggle” for a young Joshua Claytor. He filled his papers with “doodles.” Certain math concepts eluded his understanding.? Despite these early signs, it took the Vine Grove man decades to learn he had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — ADHD.? When he got diagnosed last year at 42 […]

COVID-19 image of nurses as ‘Healthcare Heroes’ both daunting and inspiring to students?

By: - August 11, 2023

Fewer students were studying to become nurses in Kentucky last year than in 2019, the last pre-pandemic year.? Enrollment in educational programs that lead to a nursing license declined in 2021 and 2022. But a variety of statewide efforts could help push the numbers back up in the coming years. Kentucky needs more nursing students […]

Churchill Downs among first tracks seeking Kentucky gambling licenses?

By: - August 10, 2023

Seven Kentucky race tracks have filed to seek sports gambling licenses, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday, and more are expected.?? Kentuckians can place legal sports bets starting Sept. 7 at racetracks and virtually on Sept. 28 under emergency regulations.? The seven race tracks that have applied are:? Churchill Downs in Louisville Cumberland Run in Corbin […]

Kentucky hospitals, other businesses receive training grants

By: - August 10, 2023

Three Kentucky hospitals are among the recipients of $2 million in new statewide workforce training incentives, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday.? Under the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation in the state’s Cabinet for Economic Development, the Grant-in-Aid program gives businesses cash incentives to provide employees with advanced training.? Businesses can also get tax credits through the […]

Kentucky considers Medicaid waiver for children with intellectual, related disabilities

By: - August 7, 2023

During a crisis, parents of children with severe emotional disabilities must currently go to the hospital for help.? They want the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services to offer a crisis hotline and crisis intervention services, among other services.? This insight came from seven in-person and two virtual focus groups the cabinet and consulting […]

Kentucky Family Caregiver Program benefits restored

By: - August 2, 2023

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story mislabeled the restored program. More eligible people who are raising their grandchildren will receive benefits through the Kentucky Family Caregiver Program, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday.? All 15 of the state’s Area Development Districts (ADD) will be able to participate in the program, Beshear said, thanks to […]

Appeals court refuses to restore gender-affirming care for transgender minors in Kentucky

By: - August 1, 2023

The 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Monday rejected a request from the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky to let transgender minors access certain medical care once more.? The ACLU asked for emergency relief on July 18. The request came days after a federal judge stayed a temporary block on part of a […]

Kentucky researchers to examine neighborhood health

By: - August 1, 2023

LOUISVILLE – Eighteen months from now, Kentucky researchers hope to know how to diagnose neighborhoods in much the same way doctors diagnose illnesses in the human body.? A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant of $500,000 will fund a Louisville-based neighborhood study, featuring researchers from Simmons College of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, leaders from […]

With ‘incredible will to survive,’ Officer Nickolas Wilt heads home

By: - July 28, 2023

Louisville Metro Police Officer Nickolas Wilt headed home Friday for the first time in months.? Waiting for him: his own bed and a much-anticipated steak dinner.? He rolled out of Frazier Rehabilitation Institute in a wheelchair around noon, past smiling scrubs-clad staff, police officers, politicians and members of the press.? Before exiting the building, he […]

How Kentuckians can stay safe in 106 heat index?

By: - July 27, 2023

With Kentucky under a heat advisory for Friday, the National Weather Service advises drinking lots of water and staying out of the sun, among other precautions.? Heat indexes could reach 106 Friday, NWS says, in east-, north- and south-central Kentucky. Thursday night and Friday, temperatures will increase to the low and mid 90s, according to […]