Baptist Health Paducah launches Happy Wheels Cart with RMHC Ohio Valley
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) — Baptist Health Paducah has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley to launch a “Happy Wheels Cart” aimed at supporting patients and families during hospital stays.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held earlier this week to mark the program’s introduction.
The cart, operated by trained volunteers, delivers items such as snacks, blankets, toys, books and toiletries to patients and families throughout the hospital.
The service is provided at no cost to the facility through support from RMHC Ohio Valley and Love Family McDonald’s.
“At Baptist Health Paducah, supporting patients and families extends beyond medical care,” said hospital President Kenny Boyd. “The Happy Wheels Cart allows us to bring comfort, kindness and encouragement directly to families during difficult moments.”
Local McDonald’s owner/operator Conrad Love said the initiative reflects a commitment to the community and aims to ease stress for families facing uncertainty.
The Paducah cart joins nine others operating across RMHC Ohio Valley’s 52-county service region, which has served more than 13,000 patients and families this year.
“Our partnership with Baptist Health Paducah allows us to extend that care to a new part of our service region,” said RMHC Ohio Valley CEO Theresa Floyd-Maas. “Through the Happy Wheels Cart, we provide more than tangible items — we bring comfort, joy and encouragement to families.”
Officials said local McDonald’s restaurants across western Kentucky and southern Illinois also support RMHC programs year-round through fundraising efforts.
