Researchers at UofL’s Envirome Institute, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health and Wellness, have utilized a wastewater-monitoring approach to track the presence and levels of infectious diseases, including the flu and COVID-19, to offer an early-warning system for Louisville.

“Wastewater monitoring involves tracking the presence of pathogens, such as viruses, in sewage or wastewater,” said Ted Smith, associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology and environmental medicine at UofL. “This innovative technique allows researchers to detect the early signs of disease outbreaks in a community, providing valuable insights into the potential spread of illnesses and enabling timely public health responses. Our latest wastewater report shows flu season has officially arrived. If you have not taken action already, now is the time to take steps to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.”

“To reduce the chance of severe symptoms and hospitalization, the most effective and proactive step you can take is to get vaccinated against the flu,” said Kris Bryant, associate medical director at LMPHW, professor of pediatrics at UofL and pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Norton Children’s. “To be protected during this time of spread, it is crucial to receive your flu shot as soon as possible. It’s recommended that everyone 6 months and older get their flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is both safe and highly effective.”

It typically takes about two weeks for immunity to develop after vaccination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals who were vaccinated against the flu last year were 40% to 70% less likely to be hospitalized due to flu-related illness or complications. Vaccination not only protects you but also contributes to the overall community’s well-being by reducing the spread of the virus.

For additional information on vaccination clinics and other preventive measures, visit the Louisville Metro’s Department of Public Health and Wellness .

For additional information on the Envirome Institute’s wastewater monitoring for COVID-19 in Louisville, visit the .

UofL’s Envirome Institute and the Louisville Metro’s Department of Public Health and Wellness are committed to leveraging innovative technologies and research methods to safeguard the health of our community. By monitoring wastewater, we can stay one step ahead of disease outbreaks and better protect the well-being of all residents.

The market, managed by the School of Public Health and Information Sciences in collaboration with the Louisville Metro Department of Health and Wellness, has received $1,500 for the Double Dollars program to benefit individuals receiving government assistance. This program also is available at the Bardstown Road, Phoenix Hill and newly-opened South Point farmers markets in Louisville. 

The Double Dollars program matches spending by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers dollar for dollar up to $20 and aims to make shopping at farmers markets more affordable. For example, if a resident uses a SNAP card to make a $10 purchase, the program will match that $10, giving a new total of $20 to spend on healthy, locally grown produce and other products.

“Public health is about creating conditions under which people can be healthy, and that is why we organize the weekly Gray Street Farmers Market,” said Craig Blakely, PhD, MPH, dean, UofL SPHIS. “Farmers markets bring fresh, healthy foods into our neighborhoods. Our market has accepted SNAP benefits and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers since 2010 and we are thankful to be recipients of the Double Dollars funding that will make healthy choices more affordable and accessible to members of our community.”

Using the program is simple. Patrons visit the market information booth, decide how much they want to spend, and swipe their SNAP cards. The market then matches the dollar amount and gives the individual wooden tokens to make their purchases. Households can use Double Dollars to buy food intended to be prepared and eaten at home such as breads, fruits and vegetables, honeys and jams, and meat and poultry.

On the first day of the Double Dollars program at the Gray Street Farmers Market, four people doubled their SNAP benefits by an average of $15 per household. At this market, seniors who benefit from Kentucky’s Senior Nutrition Farmers Market program also received supplemental funds with the Double Dollars program.

The efforts of the Gray Street Farmers market has been recognized by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s Office, which recently coordinated a special event to showcase the importance of Double Dollars and the city’s farmers markets. 

The opens May 19. This market serves those who work at the Health Sciences Center campus, hospitals, and other area businesses, as well as those who live in the surrounding neighborhoods of Phoenix Hill, Smoketown, Shelby Park and Liberty Green.

“Public health is about creating conditions under which people can be healthy, and that is why we organize this weekly event,” said Craig Blakely, PhD, MPH, dean, University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences. “Farmers markets are great ways to bring fresh, healthy foods into our neighborhoods. Because our market accepts debit cards, SNAP benefits and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers, it is affordable and accessible to everyone.”

This will be the eighth year for the Gray Street Farmers Market in downtown Louisville. 

“We’re delighted the Gray Street Farmers market is returning … The fact that the farmers market is located between the UofL School of Public Health and Information Sciences and the Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is helping to deliver our shared message of nutritious eating to the broader community,” said Joann Schulte, DO, MPH, director, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.

Open each Thursday through October 27, from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., the market includes 11 from throughout Kentucky and Indiana. The market welcomes two new farmers and will host a rotating group of lunch vendors and food trucks, with three options each week, in addition to the Asian-inspired offerings from Green Farm. The market also has established a new partnership with the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service’s Nutrition ����ֱ�� Program, and will co-sponsor meal-sampling events on June 9, July 14, and August 11. 

Located on the 400 block of E. Gray Street, between South Preston and South Jackson streets, the Gray Street Farmers Market is coordinated by the UofL School of Public Health and Information Sciences and the Metro Department of Health and Wellness. Parking is available on Chestnut, Preston or Jackson streets as well as the Chestnut Street garage.

Stay connected
Find the Gray Street Farmers Market on .

Visit the to learn more about our vendors and upcoming events.