In a short legislative session (only 30 days), bills need to move fast if they’re going to make it. And several Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities moved forward this week. HB 145 to create a statewide indoor smoke-free law passed the full House on February 13. This is the first time a statewide smoke-free bill has cleared the Kentucky House and was an important step forward in clearing the air for Kentucky children and pregnant [...]
This post originally appeared as an op-ed in the Courier-Journal. You can view it online here. Over a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt read Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle.” The author painted a portrait of the meat industry where rats, putrid meat, and poisoned rat bait were routinely ground up into sausages. Roosevelt had a decision to make. He could place the rights of business over protecting the safety of the public. Or, he could prioritize protecting [...]
Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month with a goal to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. The ADA, in collaboration with dental professionals, health care providers, and oral heath advocates, has worked consistently to spread the message of the importance of children’s oral health to communities across the country. Kentucky's State Legislature also took part in recognizing the importance of children's oral health. House Resolution 61, [...]
Yesterday’s Children’s Advocacy Day was one of the biggest yet, with over 700 children, youth, and adults attending to ask leaders to step up for kids in 2015. Thank you to the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children partners, sponsors, speakers, performers, and elected and appointed officials who made the day possible. And thank you to the hundreds of people—including more than 150 youth—who prioritized Kentucky’s kids and took time to advocate on their behalf! During the [...]
This week was the first week back of the legislature after they took a month-long break during January. A lot happened on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities this week, and with this being a short session, we expect action to pick up quickly. HB 145 to create a comprehensive, statewide indoor smoke-free law passed the House Health and Welfare Committee on Thursday, February 5 with testimony from a bipartisan group of legislators from the House [...]
Children’s Advocacy Day is an opportunity for advocates to tell elected officials to stand up for kids and protect Kentucky children. But oftentimes kids don’t have the opportunity to tell those leaders what it is that they need in their homes, schools, and communities. This year, children across the Commonwealth created art and wrote essays telling elected officials what “Kentucky kids need.” That art has been hanging in the tunnel that connects the Capitol to [...]
Check here for up to date information on important legislation related to the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children during the 2015 Kentucky General Assembly. 1. Protect children from abuse by ensuring educators receive information on child abuse recognition and reporting SB 119 sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams (companion bill to HB 301) Feb 4 - Introduced in the Senate Feb 6 - Sent to Senate Judiciary Committee Feb 12 - Passed Senate Judiciary Committee Feb [...]
The 11th Annual Children’s Advocacy Day is only one week away. Will you be there next Thursday, February 5th? Hundreds of youth and adults from across the Commonwealth will attend Children’s Advocacy Day to encourage their legislators to step up for kids in 2015. By going to Frankfort on February 5th, you will be one of those advocates for Kentucky’s children. Whether you are a young person or an adult, your voice matters. Whether you [...]
Oral health disparities in Kentucky drive the work of the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition and its three workgroups. High cost of care, lack of prevention, and limited access to dental professionals remain among the top reasons Kentuckians historically have not maintained optimal oral health. But, how do we show the extent of disparities in the state? The answer is simple, yet can be complicated: data. In a recent webinar presented by the DentaQuest South/Southeast Regional [...]
We want to hear from you on how recent changes to Kentucky’s behavioral health services system have impacted children and youth. Kentucky has seen many changes to behavioral health services since July 2014. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services reports that more children are able to receive behavioral health services now than in the past. At the same time, the Impact Plus program serving children who need intense, community-based behavioral health services ended on October 1, 2014. These children now [...]
