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About Alicia Whatley

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So far Alicia Whatley has created 8 blog entries.

Good News! Pandemic-EBT Benefits Have Been Extended

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, food security continues to be a top priority for many Kentucky families. Last school year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Pandemic-EBT to allow families of Kentucky students to receive money for groceries to replace meals missed at school due to distance learning during the pandemic. The USDA has now approved Kentucky to provide Pandemic-EBT to students for August and September 2020. This round of benefits will be [...]

By |2020-10-29T13:11:30-04:00September 28th, 2020|Blog, Education, Health|
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Promoting Cessation to End Teen Vaping

In Kentucky, rates of youth cigarette smoking have been decreasing, but the usage of e-cigarettes has surged. The percentage of twelfth grade Kentucky students using e-cigarettes jumped from 12.2% to 26.7% from 2016 to 2018. This upward trend for youth e-cigarette use is being seen by high schools nationwide with 25% of all high school students reporting use of electronic nicotine products in 2019. While teen vaping has increased, new research from JAMA Pediatrics indicates [...]

By |2020-09-03T15:19:26-04:00September 1st, 2020|Blog, Health|
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Utilizing Expanded Access Services in the New School Year

As we move through the summer months and families begin preparing for back-to-school, many questions and answers still remain. What we do know is that this upcoming school year will bring new challenges, experiences, and opportunities for Kentucky students. One opportunity Kentucky schools can leverage is utilizing the Expanded Access Services program to recognize and address the social and emotional supports students need as they begin the new school year. During the 2019-2020 school year, [...]

By |2020-07-21T15:44:10-04:00July 21st, 2020|Blog, Education, Health|
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Pandemic-EBT: What It Is and How to Apply

Updated June 25, 2020 Access to food has increasingly become a topic of concern for Kentucky families and advocates, especially for those with children who typically receive meals at school. Last week, the Commonwealth received good news on an important benefit for families during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) benefit, which was approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is available to Kentucky households with a child or children [...]

By |2020-06-30T17:21:52-04:00May 28th, 2020|Blog, Economic Security, Education, Health|
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Reminders for the Family During Dental Care Month

As we head into the second half of May, we hope everyone takes time to recognize and celebrate National Dental Care Month. This month-long celebration is a chance for oral health professionals, parents, teachers, advocates, and community members to build awareness about the importance of preventive dental care for individuals of all ages.   Key factors of maintaining good overall health throughout our childhood and adulthood include establishing positive oral hygiene habits and receiving routine dental care. Routine care allows for early detection of issues that display in the mouth and helps [...]

By |2020-05-27T12:40:52-04:00May 12th, 2020|Blog, Health|
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What’s New in the World of Tobacco and E-cigarette Cessation

State Update Kentucky continues to make strides towards reducing the youth and teen use of e-cigarette products. The Kentucky House took an important step by passing Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Senator Ralph Alvarado, which codifies in state law the legal purchase age of tobacco products to 21 and removes penalties for youth under age 21 for purchase, use, and possession of tobacco products. This Blueprint for Kentucky's Children priority bill was just signed into [...]

By |2020-03-27T17:58:59-04:00March 25th, 2020|Blog, Health|
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Promoting Healthy Eating and Drinking and Active Play in Child Care Centers

All children, no matter where they live or receive child care, deserve healthy food and time for active play. Teaching kids healthy habits at a young age nurtures optimal growth and development and sets them up for a lifetime of healthy choices. A Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children bill that is moving this 2020 legislative session aims to reinforce these ideas and provide nurturing environments for children in child care centers across the state. Senate Bill [...]

By |2020-02-11T11:16:19-05:00February 11th, 2020|Blog, Education, Health|
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Kentucky Must Comply with Federal Tobacco 21 Legislation to End the Epidemic of Teen E-Cig Use

In the final week of the U.S. Congressional session, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced inclusion of the bipartisan legislation, Tobacco-Free Youth Act, in the year-end funding bill. The Tobacco-Free Youth Act raises the minimum legal sale age of tobacco products across the country, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is providing more details to ensure retailers comply. Passage of this federal spending bill will have [...]

By |2020-01-02T16:58:23-05:00January 2nd, 2020|Blog, Health|
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