Vaping in Kentucky: Protecting Youth Health Through T-21 Enforcement

In part by Yelena Bagdasaryan, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates  In recent years, the prevalence of youth vaping in Kentucky has surged, becoming a pressing issue for our youth that not only jeopardizes physical health but also poses significant risks to mental well-being. Nicotine use has been proven to amplify feelings of anxiety and depression. Students who use tobacco products (including e-cigarettes, cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco) are more likely to have lower grades. Young [...]

By |2024-03-05T13:13:29-05:00March 5th, 2024|Blog, Education, Health, Youth Justice|

Statement on Passage of SB 2 by the Senate Education Committee

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates LOUISVILLE, KY – The safety of students as they grow into thriving adults has been an increased concern of the General Assembly for several sessions. It is clear that safety must be defined as far more than simply school discipline or a secured facility. We have to make a commitment to building resilience through proven support systems in behavioral and mental health [...]

5 Ways to Take Action for National Children’s Dental Health Month

This blog was originally posted by the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition.  February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, when the American Dental Association encourages grownups to spread awareness about the importance of children’s oral health. Here are 5 things to know about kids’ oral health in Kentucky, along with ways to take action!   What To Know: As noted in KOHC’s 2023 Landscape Assessment, fewer than half of Kentucky children on Medicaid or KCHIP received a routine [...]

By |2024-02-22T12:17:53-05:00February 22nd, 2024|Blog, Health|

Empowering Communities: Leveraging Opioid Settlement Funds for Impact

*Updated March 13, 2024 What does Bloom Kentucky and a toolbox have in common? Both share a fundamental purpose of empowerment and repair, providing essential tools and strategies to build resilience and mend the fabric of affected lives and communities.  Here at Bloom Kentucky, we want to equip you and your community with the tools to leverage the historic opioid settlement funds for impact. On Wednesday, March 6th, Bloom Kentucky hosted a webinar with [...]

The Echoes of Youth Chants and Energy Goes Beyond Children’s Advocacy Day

By Leah Wade, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates  Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol is when people across the Commonwealth come together to lift up a united voice for Kentucky’s children. A highlight of the day always includes the presence of youth-serving organizations and school groups. This year, nearly 300 youth took the time to speak on behalf of themselves and their peers. Kentucky Youth Advocates wanted to briefly highlight how groups had an [...]

CAW 2024 Retreat: Empowering Kentucky’s Youth to Light the Way

Two weeks ago, Frankfort became a buzzing hub of youthful energy and advocacy as over thirty dynamic young individuals from every corner of the Commonwealth convened for Kentucky Youth Advocates' annual youth retreat. This gathering, held on the eve of Children’s Advocacy Day, was not just any retreat – it was a vibrant confluence of minds eager to shape the future. Groups including KYA’s Health Youth Ambassadors, REFORM Louisville, True Up, and YouthBuild Louisville [...]

Youth Voice: “My first encounter with vaping took place over five years ago in the 6th grade.”

The Kentucky 2024 General Assembly is well underway and legislators from around the state are considering a number of policy proposals that impact kids and families. As KYA monitors action in Frankfort, we also look to Kentucky youth to hear the issues they want to see prioritized by our state decisionmakers. A common message among young people in Kentucky – do something about the overwhelming youth access to vapes and nicotine products. Keep reading to [...]

By |2024-02-01T10:42:08-05:00February 1st, 2024|Blog, Education, Health|

Youth Voice: “Working together brings the best results for kids like me and communities like mine.”

By Amelia Williams, member for the Health Youth Ambassadors Amelia shared the following speech as the opening of the 2024 Rally for Kentucky Kids in the Rotunda at the 20th annual Children's Advocacy Day at the Capitol.  Good morning and welcome everyone to the Kentucky State Capitol for the 20th Annual Children’s Advocacy Day. My name is Amelia Williams and I am a Junior from Graves County and a member of the Health Youth Ambassadors [...]

Governor Beshear and House and Senate Leadership Join Hundreds of Youth and Advocates for Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol

Contact: Mara Powell mpowell@kyyouth.org Frankfort, KY – With the 2024 Kentucky legislative session well underway in Frankfort, advocates across the Commonwealth are joining together to lift kids’ voices during Children’s Advocacy Week. They are advocating for the state budget and policy priorities addressed in the 2024 Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children to elected leaders.  Today is Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol, where community organizations, professionals who work with kids and families, and young people from [...]

A Look at SB 34 and Potential Impact on Kentucky Families

Pregnancy and early childhood is considered a special time in life. However, any new parent will tell you it is also an expensive time. The cost of giving birth, caring for a new child, and child care can often be more than new parents make.  To address the financial challenges that new parents face, Senator Whitney Westerfield introduced Senate Bill 34. This legislation contains a multitude of provisions that provide for the basic health and [...]

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