Matthew 25 AIDS Services celebrates 30 years with community HIV testing events
For Matthew 25 AIDS Services’ 30th anniversary celebration, the organization is partnering with Greater Than HIV and Walgreens to host three HIV testing events in June designed to help community members take charge of their sexual health in a stigma-free environment.
“After 30 years of serving our community, there’s nothing more meaningful than helping people stay healthy and informed,” said Rachel Trout, the public relations and fundraising specialist for Matthew 25. “We encourage everyone to think of getting tested to take charge of their sexual health and as a birthday gift to us. Testing is always free and confidential with Matthew 25.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone between the ages of 13–64 should get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare, said a Matthew 25 release.
Nearly 158,000 people in the United States are living with HIV and don’t know it yet, making routine testing critically important. HIV testing is quick and easy, and in most cases, results can be available in 60 seconds or less, said the release.
Community members are invited to join Matthew 25 at the following locations:
- June 24: Walgreens, 2318 Frederica Street, Owensboro, featuring Matthew 25’s mobile testing unit, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- June 24: Walgreens, 402 Second Street, Henderson,10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- June 27: Walgreens, 925 South Green River Road, Evansville, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Whether it’s a person’s first HIV test or part of their regular healthcare routine, every test helps break stigma, increase awareness, and move the community forward, said the release.
Matthew 25 invites the public to celebrate 30 years of care, compassion, and community, one test at a time, said the release.
For those unable to attend a testing event, Matthew 25 encourages supporters to participate in the organization’s “$30 for 30” campaign honoring 30 years of service.
For more information about Matthew 25 AIDS Services, testing opportunities, or ways to support the organization, please visit Matthew 25’s social media pages or contact the organization directly at 270-826-0200.
Speed limit decreased near Cloverleaf and Walmart
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 2 has reduced the speed limit for the US-41 & US-60 interchange from 45 miles per hour to 35 mph.
The speed limit between the intersections of Green Street and Herron Avenue to US 60 and Killiecrankie Drive have been reduced to 35 miles per hour.
This change is due to the increased development and congestion in the area, said a KYTC release.
The updated speed limit is intended to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, and adjacent residents and businesses. New speed limit signage has been installed along the affected road segments, and motorists are encouraged to use caution and adjust their driving speeds accordingly.
For questions or additional information, please contact the Henderson Police Department (270) 831-1295.
RVBH awarded $253,169 to expand support for drug endangered children in western Kentucky
RiverValley Behavioral Health has been awarded $253,169 over two years from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission to expand support for children and families affected by substance use in Western Kentucky.
This funding is part of a historic statewide investment of nearly $34 million announced by Attorney General Russell Coleman to combat the opioid crisis.
The project, called the Western Kentucky Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Expansion Project, will focus on helping children who may be impacted by parent or caregiver substance use. The initiative will serve Hancock, McLean, Ohio and Union counties by bringing together local agencies and organizations to identify children in need earlier and connect families with support services more quickly.
“This investment allows us to deepen collaboration across systems and respond earlier to the needs of children and families affected by substance use,” said Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, RVBH president and CEO. “Children exposed to substance use are often the unseen victims of the opioid epidemic. Through this initiative, we are strengthening our ability as a region to identify risk sooner, intervene more effectively, and provide families with the support they need to heal and thrive.”
W.C. Handy Juried Art exhibit now at HCPL
The W.C. Handy Juried Art Exhibit presented by Ohio Valley Art is now on exhibit in the Dick & Sheila Beaven Gallery at Henderson County Public Library.
The annual exhibit celebrates the legacy of the “Father of the Blues” and the local festival that bears the musician/composer’s name. Artists interpret their observations of the festival that takes place primarily in Audubon Mill Park on the Henderson Riverfront.
An opening reception and awards reception is set for 5 p.m. June 11. The exhibit closes June 26.
The Dick & Sheila Beaven Gallery is located on the second floor of the library’s 2020 edition.
Audubon Park to host Twilight Hike on Saturday
In celebration of National Trails Day, John James Audubon State Park will host a Twilight Hike on Saturday, June 6.
The guided hike with the park’s naturalists will begin at 7:30 p.m. It will be a 2.1-mile trek over moderate terrain traversing some hills and a staircase.
Participants should bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the Welcome Center parking. The cost is $5 at the trailhead gate.
On Saturday, June 13, an ADA accessible Twilight Hike will be offered on the Audubon Wetlands Trail on Wolf Hills Road.
The 1.5-mile route is on flat terrain that includes small gravel, a dirt path and the boardwalk.
Participants on this trek should also bring a flashlight and wear shoes that can get muddy. Bug repellent is a must. Meet at the Audubon Wetlands parking lot off Wolf Hills Road. The cost is $5 at the trailhead gate.
No pets are allowed on either of these excursions.
For information, contact Lisa Hoffman, (502) 782-9727 or email Lisa.Hoffman@Ky.gov.
Audubon State Park photography competition is open
The entry period has opened for the John James Audubon Photography Competition.
Photographers are invited to submit up to two photos that were taken on park property between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
The entry deadline is June 30, and the exhibit will be available starting July 11 and will remain until the end of the year.
The exhibit will be judged by the John James Audubon museum curator and park naturalist.
Digital submissions will be printed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch photo paper by the curator. Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email to Curator Connor Humphrey at Connor.Humphrey@ky.gov.
Please include a title for the photograph.
