Student Wellness

The University of Pikeville is committed to the wellness of all members of our university community, and the student affairs office maintains the following resources to help you thrive.

  • Student Assistance Program: The University partners with Humana to provide 24/7 access to mental health support services including substance abuse help through our student assistance program. Graduate and Health Professions Students may use this service anywhere in the US, including your clinical rotation sites, externship sites or in your hometown. You may access this service through Humana.com/sap. Username and password information is provided through the GHPSA Office.
    • Fitness. Graduate and Health Professions students are provided with a reduced membership rate with the local YMCA, are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of intramural sports, and are surrounded by some of the best outdoor activities with recreational opportunities at Bob Amos Park in Pikeville and Breaks Interstate Park in Breaks, VA.
    • Intramural Sports
    • KYCOM Fit is a student-led wellness initiative that uses social media and prize drawings to promote healthy living.
    • Outdoor recreation
      1. Bob Amos Park
      2. Breaks Interstate Park
      3. City walking map



Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), one of the most powerful tools available to ensure low-income people have access to healthy food.

Outreach is also critical to achieving the goals of the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.1 The first pillar of the strategy calls for improving food access and affordability and connecting more underserved populations to SNAP 

Signing up for SNAP 

More information about SNAP and Learn How to Qualify  

Clarity on SNAP and College Students 

Free Hot Meals 

Grace Community Kitchen
115 Wofford Street, Pikeville
Mondays and Thursdays 11 am to 1 pm  

Faithlife Market
130 Division Street
Tuesdays 11-1  

East Kentucky Dream Center
463 Hambly Blvd. 
Wednesday 11-1 pm
Friday 11-1 pm 

Pikeville Community Kitchen within First United Methodist Church
107 Main Street
Breakfast 8-10 am (Monday-Friday)  

Food Pantries and Blessing Boxes in the Community   

WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Food Assistance 

 

Food Pantries on Campus For All Students 

Lisa’s Love Food Pantry is located in Condit Hall in the Basic Needs Center. It is open each day and hours are posted on the door. For after hours assistance please contact Public Safety at 606-218-5940 

 Food Pantries for Nursing Students 

Nursing Suite 

Food Pantries for KYCOM students: 

Coal 5th floor Dean of Students Wing

On campus: 

For all on campus housing questions, please connect with UPIKE housing at housing@upike.edu  

For need of summer housing or housing on campus while classes are on break, please connect with housing@upike.edu as we have an application to help support residential students who are housing insecure during breaks.  

City of Pikeville 

For off campus housing within the city of Pikeville, please connect with the Housing Authority of Pikeville  

This organization exists to be Pikeville’s affordable housing choice. They provide adequate and affordable housing, economic development, and a suitable living environment.   

Do I qualify?  

You must be determined to be low income as determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) most recently published income limits. For Eastern Kentucky, that is roughly 

Family Size Extremely Low 30% Very Low 50%
1 Person $18,350 $30,600
2 People $21,000 $34,950
3 People $24,860 $39,300
4 People $30,000 $43,650

Income limits are determined by the number of individuals in the household seeking assistance. You must not have a criminal history involving violent crime or drug abuse and or alcohol abuses. You cannot owe funds to the Housing Authority of Pikeville or to any other Housing Authority. You must have a good past rental history including a good history of paying your rent on time, not disturbing your neighbors, keeping your previous homes in good condition, and leaving in good standing with your past landlords. They will run both credit and criminal history reports for verification. These are general requirements and many more specific details, obligations, and requirements must be fulfilled prior to placement or other assistance. To start you must fill out this online application (Application 

Pike County 

For off campus housing within Pike County, please connect with Pike County Housing Authority Pike County Housing Authority is designed to provide decent, safe, and sanitary rental housing for eligible families and to provide opportunities and promote self-sufficiency and economic independence for Housing Choice Voucher Participants. 

To apply please fill out the Housing Choice Voucher Program Application and return to:

Pike County Housing Authority, 142 Trivette Drive Pikeville.

Call 606-432-4178 for questions. Applications for the Program are taken every Wednesday between 7:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. 

Required Information/Documents When Applying:

  • Full time student status. (College only) 
  • Income for all family members (if they are going to live with you in this apartment) such as social security, SSI, black lung, VA pension, wages, retirements, K-TAP, food stamps, odd jobs, or family income form 
  • If married or divorced (Marriage license, 3 notarized separation statements, or any final divorce decree) 
  • Social security cards & birth certificates or school records. (For all household members) 
  • Last three (3) months bank statements for checking, savings, CD’s, etc. 
  • If you have children (Childcare expenses paid so that an adult can work) 
  • Rent & utility receipts for the last three (3) months. (AEP, gas, water, garbage) 
  • Last three (3) years income tax return 
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of three (3) non-related references 
  • If you are Elderly & Disabled (out of pocket medical receipts for the last 12 months) 
  • Copies of any insurance policies you may have. (Life, health, or accident) 
  • Valid drivers license or photo ID. 

 

Sandy Valley Transportation Services, Inc. (SVTS) is a nonprofit demand response public transit system that has provided safe, dependable and affordable public transportation for the residents of Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties in eastern Kentucky since 1990.  The public transit services are possible by operating assistance funds. SVTS is applies annually for operating funds for the continuation of the existing public transit services and for the expansion of transit services into other areas of the five – (5) county region. SVTS is Open to the public for all their transportation needs. 

How to Schedule a Trip with SVTS?  

Call 1.800.444.RIDE / 7433 – between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday or between 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday. 

Urgent care transportation will be available 24/7. 

*Reservations are accepted with a 3 day notice.  We currently accept reservations between the hours of 8:00AM – 4:30PM Monday thru Friday and 8:00AM – 1:00PM on Saturdays.  

**If you are calling after hours Press 4 to leave a message including your phone number and someone will return your call as soon as possible. 

To schedule a trip contact our Central Office: 

Phone:  1.800.444.RIDE/7433              or 606-886-1936          

If your car is broken and transportation is keeping you from working or getting to class: 

Apply to the Emergency Fund 

Website application 

 

Undergraduate Student Emergency Fund Award 

Thanks to the generosity of University of Pikeville alumni and friends, the Undergraduate Student Emergency Fund will assist students faced with temporary or unusual undue hardships 

Funds will be awarded on a case-by-case basis. The student’s financial need, the type of the funding request, and the availability of funds will be taken into consideration when allocating this award. A committee at the university will review each application. 

Expenses covered but are not limited to: transportation costs, travel for funeral or medical emergencies  

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Student must be currently enrolled full-time in UPIKE undergraduate program. 
  • Student will be asked to provide sufficient documentation (bills) of financial hardships. 
  • Student must not exceed the financial aid cost of attendance at UPIKE. 
  • Provide documentation or explanation of the transportation-related financial burden through the basic needs questionnaire 

Types of Support 

  1. Gas Cards or Fuel Reimbursement: Provide prepaid gas cards or reimbursements for documented transportation-related expenses for students who commute by car. 
  1. Emergency Transportation Assistance: Offer one-time grants or emergency funds for unexpected transportation needs, such as medical emergencies or family crises. 
  1. Emergency Car Repair Assistance: Offer one-time grants or emergency funds for unexpected car repair assistance, such as getting a tire or repairing a part. 

Review and Approval 

  • Applications will be reviewed by the care team on a case-by-case basis. 
  • Approval decisions will consider financial need, availability of funds, and the impact on the student’s academic success. 

Funding Disbursement 

  • Disbursement methods may include direct payment to transportation or repair providers, issuance of prepaid gas cards, or reimbursement to the student’s account after receipts are provided. 

Confidentiality 

  • Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student financial information and application details. 

If you are need of clothing the university has some options for you. First please visit the Bear Minimum Thrift Store which is located in Condit Hall. This store provides a host of options at very reduced costs. This thrift store has a wide variety of options.  

Next, if you are looking for free professional clothing for a job interview or a career readiness opportunity, please see the Center for Career, Vocation, and Leadership and director Dr Kay Webb. The office is located on the second floor of Armington or you can email at kaywebb@upike.edu  

The career closet is located on the bottom floor of Wickham Hall next to the student lounge. This is a free service for students.  

If you are need of emergency clothing please contact the chaplain’s office at robertmusick@upike.edu or Record 602  

There are a few highly discounted thrift stores in the community to help students.  

East Kentucky Dream Center Thrift Store, 1946 S Mayo Trail, Pikeville, it opens M-Sat at 11 am and closes at 5 pm 

United Helping Hands Thrift Store, 400 Venters Lane, Pikeville (behind the Walters Car Dealership) they are open 10 am to 3 pm Monday-Saturday 

Goodwill Thrift Store, 145 Lee Ave, Pikeville, they are open 9 am to 9 pm every day.  

The university has an emergency closet for blankets and towels and basic needs, called the Bear Closet. See the chaplain for more details.  

If you have a technology need, the first place to start is working with our Information Technology office, they are located in the basement of Armington and can be reached at 606-218-5300 or help@upike.edu 

At times they have gently used computers and technology for sale.  

If you are having a technology need that is impacting your classwork please contact the center for student success at meganchildress@upike.edu or visit the office on the 2nd floor of the Administration building  

Also you can apply for a laptop at Laptops4learning 

Currently the university does not offer its own childcare yet there are some great options in the community. If an emergency happens with your childcare, please work with your professor as at times kids have come to class or professors have given an online option for a very short term basis.  

Model City Daycare
152 Bank St, Pikeville, KY 41501
Phone: (606) 432-5427

They offer childcare from 6:30 am to 6 pm.  

They provide childcare for children from newborns to headstart. They provide after school programming also for children up to 12 years old. 

YMCA Childcare 

The YMCA offers one location for childcare. The main campus is located at the YMCA which is on Bob Amos Hill. Pikeville Area Family YMCA, 424 Bob Amos Drive, Info@pikevilleymca.org 

(606) 433-9622 

They offer Before & After School Child Care 

Get high-quality Y care right at your school and keep your child active physically, intellectually and socially the whole day. When school’s out, you can trust the Y to provide an engaging experience for your child right at school. Y School Age Programs give your child the opportunity to get to know some of their classmates better as they engage in active play and collaborate on fun project 

Also they have a preschool  

Get the support you need with Preschool Child Care at the Y. Our YMCA values-based program will help your young child learn essential social, physical, and intellectual building blocks. In Y Preschool programs your child will develop skills to build character values and self-esteem, and improve kindergarten readiness. We base our educational and guidance decisions for children on our knowledge of child development. 

Preschool 

First Baptist Church Early Education Program 

The Early Education Program at FBC is a tuition-based program open to children ages 3-5 yr. old. Students will be placed in the classroom with their age group and taught by experienced educators in a fun and safe environment.   

Spots for each classroom are filled on a first come-first serve basis.  If you are interested in registering your preschooler, or if you have a question click 

First United Methodist Church Genesis Kids Preschool 

The mission of the Pikeville United Methodist Church Preschool is to provide a preschool education program that focuses on skills necessary to become lifelong learners and to provide a Christian environment where all children are encouraged to develop appropriate social, academic, and behavioral skills. 

Application Info 

We have a limited number of students that we can take each year.  We do suggest applying early to make sure your child is accepted! 

Our Preschool hours are Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 12 pm! Acceptee must be between the ages of  3-5 Years old! (must be 3 by June 1st) Your child’s application must be dropped off at our church office with a $100 application fee. If you would like an application please email our church office! Office.PUMC@gmail.com or visit the office at 107 Main St. 606-437-7315 

Pikeville Elementary Preschool 

Requirements for Application and Admission: 

Registration forms  

Parents/Guardians must turn in the required support documents. 

Documents must be dropped off at the school office Monday – Friday during office hours to complete a registration packet for enrollment consideration. Office is located at 105 Bailey Blvd. 

The following documents must be turned in for a Registration Packet to be marked complete prior to being considered for enrollment. 

  • Birth Certificate 
  • Current Immunization Certificate 
  • Physical Exam~dated no earlier than July 1,  
  • Eye Exam~dated no earlier than January 1, 
  • Dental Screening~dated no earlier than January 1,  
  • Proof of Residence~such as copy of latest utility bill 
  • Medical Card (if applicable) 
  • Proof of Income 
  • Students registering to transfer from another K-6 school must bring copies of the following records from the last school which they are enrolled: 
  • Attendance Record 
  • Behavior Record 
  • Grade Report  

Preschool questions, please contact: Ashla VanHoose, Director of Special Education, Preschool Coordinator at ashla.vanhoose@pikeville.kyschools.us 

Use Telemedicine for:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Colds and flu
  • Ear infections
  • Skin irritations and rashes
  • Sinusitis
  • Minor cuts or burns

Visit an ER for:

  • Serious trauma
  • Significant bleeding
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath that lasts for more than a few minutes
  • Major broken bones (leg, arm, hip)
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Loss of vision

Visit an UCC for:

  • Wounds (such as a deep cut that may require stitches)
  • Sprains
  • Cuts, Scrapes, and minor burns
  • Minor broken bones (wrist, ankle, foot)
  • Other conditions that need immediate attention, but are not life-threatening

Telehealth  

You wake up not feeling well, maybe feeling achy or you feel like you have something going on with your health that is basic or minor, you can get the same level of care with a telehealth visit as you would with in-person care at a clinic or your doctor’s office. Telehealth allows you to just hop on your phone, tablet or computer to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a virtual care provider. 

Make sure to bring your insurance card for any telehealth experiences 

Telehealth room located in Coal 515 (available 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday)  

Utilizes your health insurance 

Two options: 

  • Pikeville Medical Center 
  • Appalachian Regional Healthcare 

You can login and talk with a doctor 

In real time the doctor can check your temperature and other vitals 

Uwill telehealth (available 8 am to 10 pm daily)  

Free service where you can video chat with a doctor  

Email counseling@upike.edu to set up your account to start the service.  

 Going to the Clinic:

When your health needs are more intense. Going to the in person doctor is best for preventive care such as annual physicals and immunizations, health monitoring, and more. In-person visits are also a good idea if testing or an examination may be needed to diagnose conditions like a torn muscle or sprain. Clinic or hospital visits are key for urgent issue with or without concerning symptoms, such as shortness of breath. Acute new symptoms (abdominal pain, low back pain, ear pain or hearing changes, hip pain, diarrhea). Shortness of breath or a cough that won’t go away, in which case a physician needs to listen to the patient’s lungs and check oxygen saturation. A chest x-ray may also be necessary. 

Pikeville Medical Center Urgent Care & Family Wellness Center 
238 Cassady Blvd, Pikeville, KY 41501
8 am to 8 PM (every day)
(606) 430-2230 

Fast Pace Health Urgent Care
115 Lee Ave #101, Pikeville, KY 41501
8 am to 8 PM (M-F) 8am to 6 pm (Sat-Sun)
(606) 727-5296 

Pikeville Medical Center Primary Care Clinic
184 S Mayo Trail, Pikeville, KY 41501
8 am to 6 PM (Mon-Fri) closed on weekends 
(606) 430-2213 

Emergency and Hospital:  

For all things that are emergency related, please go to the hospital. For an emergency please call Public Safety at 606-477-0262 if you are on campus. If off campus please call 911. The closest hospital is Pikeville Medical Center which is located on 911 Bypass Road or 606-218-3500.  

 Vaccinations

 Addiction Support

Local NA/AA 12-Step Community 

The Grassroots Area (eastern Kentucky including Pikeville and Prestonsburg). The local meetings are in Pikeville at the building next to the United Methodist Church (107 Main Street). They meet each evening (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) at 7 pm. Saturday the meeting is at 7 at 231 Reddale Road. Sunday the meeting is 5 pm at the East Kentucky Dream Center (463 Hambly Blvd).  

NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other to stay clean. There are no dues or fees. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using.