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About Alicia Whatley

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So far Alicia Whatley has created 55 blog entries.

Continued Advocacy Needed to Curb Youth Vaping

Throughout the 2022 General Assembly, Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA) advocated for policies that are good for Kentuckians’ health, including measures aimed at preventing youth tobacco and e-cigarette use. We know that more than 1 in 4 Kentucky high schoolers use e-cigarettes and the instances of youth using tobacco products has spread into many Kentucky middle schools.  These products pose a number of health risks and ultimately lead to many Kentuckians dying prematurely. New research adds [...]

By |2022-04-20T13:58:27-04:00April 20th, 2022|Blog, Health|
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Children’s Dental Health Month & Policies for Good Oral Health

This blog was originally posted by the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition.   As the Kentucky legislature considers hundreds of bills and prioritizes investments in the next biennial state budget, it’s imperative that we as a Commonwealth ensure that all Kentuckians, including our youngest, have access to the support they need for their healthy development – and a healthy mouth. We know that health impacts every aspect of a child’s life and is a key component of [...]

By |2022-02-24T14:50:57-05:00February 24th, 2022|Blog, Health|
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Efforts to “Nix the Next” Generation from Becoming Addicted to Nicotine

Building strong families and communities is the key to unlocking the potential of our next generation. Unfortunately, Kentucky has the second highest percentage of adult smokers and is among the highest in the nation for youth who use tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes. We know that investing in prevention and cessation is an important step to reduce these rates, improve Kentucky’s health outcomes, and save Kentucky health care costs by averting tobacco related illnesses, [...]

By |2021-10-28T09:19:46-04:00October 20th, 2021|Blog, Health|
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September is Hunger Awareness Month and We Need Your Voice

As we continue to navigate the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity remains a challenge that many Americans are facing. September is Hunger Awareness Month, offering a chance to reflect on the hunger rates among children and their families, and explore the opportunities for policy changes that will support all Americans in accessing healthy food for their families.   Throughout the pandemic, the U.S. Census Bureau has been collecting weekly data on food security through their Household [...]

By |2021-09-21T17:51:32-04:00September 21st, 2021|Blog, Economic Security, Health|
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Child Care Centers: Safe Spaces for Children to Grow, Learn, Play, and Thrive

We know that for many children summer brings changes to daily routines formed during the school year, including how children spend their free time and their food and drink choices throughout the day. But licensed child care centers continue to provide a safe, structured environment for children when they are out of school and new regulations took effect this month that codified Senate Bill 45, passed during the 2020 legislative session. SB 45 ensures all [...]

By |2021-06-30T14:22:44-04:00June 21st, 2021|Blog, Education, Health|
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Closing the Gaps in Behavioral Health Care for Kids in Louisville

In partnership with the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence, Kentucky Youth Advocates hosted a virtual behavioral health summit on May 11th. The Closing the Gaps in Behavioral Health Care for Kids summit brought together over one hundred youth, parents, and professionals from various sectors including educators, mental health professionals, legislators, juvenile justice system staff, child advocates, child welfare system representatives, Kentucky’s philanthropic community, and more. The event featured a data presentation on the recent research conducted by KYA and supplemental data from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) providing context to [...]

By |2021-05-18T16:24:54-04:00May 18th, 2021|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Education, Health, Race Equity, Youth Justice|
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Update on FDA Menthol Ban and Impact for Youth

The recent announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin the process of banning all menthol flavoring in cigarettes and cigars is a huge step in reducing youth and young adult tobacco addiction, addressing health equity, and improving health outcomes. This announcement ensures that the FDA’s next steps will be establishing rules and an opportunity for public comment on the ban of menthol flavoring in cigarettes and all flavoring in cigars within the [...]

By |2022-02-07T11:53:07-05:00May 6th, 2021|Blog, Health, Race Equity|
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You Are Not Alone

The month of May in Kentucky brings warmer weather, Derby excitement, and the end of another school year, but it is also Mental Health Awareness Month. This national month of recognition aims to educate and provide resources for individuals, families, and children about the importance of taking care of their mental health needs. This year’s theme - “You Are Not Alone” - emphasizes the importance of connecting with others in a safe way and taking [...]

By |2021-05-03T15:39:08-04:00May 3rd, 2021|Blog, Education, Health|
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Supporting Child Hunger Efforts Beyond Nutrition Month

During Nutrition Month in March, national and state advocacy groups are asking for increased supports and efforts around feeding programs. As Kentucky continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we know child feeding programs are essential for kids and families as more than 20% of Kentucky households with children reported sometimes or often not having enough food to eat at the end of 2020, a rate that has been increasing since October. Temporary changes to [...]

By |2021-04-06T12:40:58-04:00March 31st, 2021|Blog, Economic Security, Health|
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Assessment of the Louisville Youth Behavioral Health Landscape and Recommendations

Kentucky Youth Advocates, in partnership with the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence, conducted a community assessment to better understand the behavioral health landscape for adolescents in Louisville. The assessment included ten focus groups and an online survey during the Fall of 2020 with behavioral health providers, pediatricians, educators, residential treatment staff, juvenile justice staff, community support organizations, case managers, parents, and youth.   Respondents pointed to cultural barriers as one of the most significant obstacles for [...]

By |2021-05-18T16:10:47-04:00March 30th, 2021|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Education, Health, Race Equity|
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