Hickman to serve on UNITE board

Medical Leader | SUBMITTED PHOTO

NEW POSITION: Cheryl Hickman, vice president-assistant to the president/CEO of Pikeville Medical Center, was announced as the newest member of Operation UNITE's Board of Directors by Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers during a stop in Pikeville on August 8. Pictured from left are UNITE President/CEO Dan Smoot, Hickman, Congressman Rogers, and Kentucky Senator Ray S. Jones II.

PIKEVILLE - Emphasizing the importance of having the medical community's input on efforts to stop substance abuse, Operation UNITE and Pikeville Medical Center have teamed up to provide a seat on the anti-drug organization's Board of Directors.

This partnership and appointment of Cheryl Hickman, PMC vice president-assistant to President/CEO Walter E. May, was announced by Fifth District Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers during a stop in Pikeville on Thursday, August 8.

"UNITE's success continues to thrive through great partnerships across Kentucky, and this partnership with the Pikeville Medical Center is another example of two forces teaming up against the drug abuse epidemic," Rogers said. "Cheryl Hickman is passionate about health care and substance abuse treatment. I am confident that her presence on the board will help UNITE plan for the future."

Hickman, who will serve a three-year term, attended her first board meeting on Tuesday, August 20.

"I consider it a privilege and an honor to sit on the UNITE Board of Directors," Hickman said. "UNITE has worked very hard to make a difference

in the war on drugs in eastern Kentucky and, because of this, inroads have been made to stop the pill mills in this area. This is making a difference for the future of eastern Kentucky."

Now in it's 10th year, the organization works to rid communities of illegal drug use through undercover narcotics investigations, coordinating treatment for substance abusers, providing support to families and friends of substance abusers, and educating the public about the dangers of using drugs. UNITE's goal is to educate and activate individuals by developing and empowering community coalitions to no longer accept or tolerate the drug culture.

UNITE is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors.

"I am proud to have Cheryl Hickman representing Pikeville Medical Center on the Operation UNITE's Board of Directors," May stated. "Operation UNITE is immensely important to our community in the battle against drug abuse. I am confident that Mrs. Hickman will represent Pikeville Medical Center and the community well."