FacebookInstagramXYouTubeEmail

The State of Youth Vaping and Strategies to Address the Epidemic

Kentucky kids need environments that support their health and wellbeing - a goal that can be supported by policy and budget investments. As the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative continues to explore ways to improve child health outcomes, a recent statement from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighted the dangers of youth vaping - an epidemic that continues to impact teens across Kentucky.  This week, in addition to their stated focus [...]

By |2025-11-06T11:52:08-05:00November 6th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Health|
Read More

Share Your Story for a Complete Census Count in Appalachia

In the region of Kentucky where I grew up – the beautiful Appalachian mountains of Eastern Kentucky – communication is woven into the fabric of communities. The annual Swappin’ Meetin’ held each Fall at Southeast Community and Technical College would showcase that communication through storytelling, songs, and the many conversations of neighbors and friends.  While the stories and songs will be saved for our beloved community gatherings, we want to hear from our Appalachian communities [...]

By |2025-11-12T10:19:53-05:00November 5th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice, Kids Count, Medicaid|
Read More

Calling all doting grandparents, aunties and uncles: Be part of a complete count

Nothing quite matches the pride of a new grandparent or auntie showing pictures of a new baby. At a meeting, at the grocery store, or after church, they are quick to pull out their phones and share a few pictures of the new bundle of joy. This year, I’ve been that auntie, showing off my sweet niece who was born this past Winter, when I’m catching up with friends.   As much as we care for [...]

By |2025-09-30T13:03:25-04:00September 30th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice, Kids Count, Medicaid|
Read More

Latest Data on Child Health and Poverty

Every fall, data nerds rejoice, because it means the release of the newest American Community Survey one year estimates from the Census Bureau. While the one year estimates are not as thorough as the five year estimates that are released in December, they still provide a wealth of knowledge for many topics, including demographics, income, poverty, housing, and education. These estimates can help guide legislators, community leaders, and community members toward policies that work to [...]

By |2025-09-25T14:26:15-04:00September 25th, 2025|Blog, Health, Kids Count, Medicaid|
Read More

National Diaper Need Awareness Week: Why Diaper Access Matters for Kentucky Families

Today marks the first day of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, an annual campaign led by the National Diaper Bank Network to raise awareness about a critical but often overlooked public health issue in the United States: diaper need. Diapers are essential for infant and toddler health and hygiene, yet nearly half of U.S households with young children struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their children clean and healthy. Diapers put a considerable strain [...]

By |2025-10-07T16:03:55-04:00September 16th, 2025|Blog, Economic Security, Health|
Read More

From Interim Hearings to the 2026 State Budget: What’s Ahead for Kentucky Kids & Families

As summer winds down in Kentucky, state leaders in Frankfort are already preparing for the 2026 biennial budget session. Shortly after the 2025 legislative session concluded, lawmakers were back in action convening interim joint committees with members of both the House and Senate. The interim legislative session spanning June to December serves as an opportunity for legislators to hear presentations from various state offices on current data and program outcomes, budget requests for the next [...]

By |2025-10-07T16:04:38-04:00September 3rd, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice, Medicaid|
Read More

The Time Is Now: Investing in Youth Nicotine Prevention and Cessation

August is in full swing, and with it comes the start of a new school year in Kentucky. As in previous years, new trends and persistent concerns among Kentucky kids are making headlines. One issue that continues to raise alarms in schools across the Commonwealth is nicotine dependence among students.  While the conversation around youth nicotine use is not new, the landscape has shifted significantly over the last year. Some recent changes include:   Kentucky [...]

By |2025-08-20T16:46:07-04:00August 20th, 2025|Blog, Health|
Read More

What are Child Impact Statements and How Does it Impact Policy Change?

What are Impact Statements? Impact statements are used by local, state, and federal agencies and branches of government to assess implications of proposed legislation, administrative procedures, cases, amongst other decisions. Impact statements can cover topics such as  criminal justice, environment, higher education, poverty, open government, amongst other areas of focus.  Most widely known are fiscal impact statements which examine budget implications and may include information related to estimated costs and potential savings of a proposed [...]

By |2025-08-19T12:51:51-04:00August 19th, 2025|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Economic Security, Education, Health, Justice|
Read More

Support the Health of All Kentucky Kids by Ensuring Up-to-Date Childhood Immunizations

As we welcome August, kids and families across the state are gearing up for another school year and a long list of last minute to-dos. Along with school supply shopping and soaking up the last days of summer, back to school is the perfect time to make sure your child is up to date on routine childhood immunizations. August not only welcomes students back to the classroom, it is also recognized as National Immunization Awareness [...]

By |2025-08-06T11:26:36-04:00August 6th, 2025|Blog, Health|
Read More

Youth Care and Are Aware: Let’s Listen to Their Input on Substance Abuse Prevention

By: Liltoyria Bohler, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates I attended The Kentucky Harm Reduction Summit, which was a gathering for people to learn and share ways to reduce the harm to individuals and communities associated with drug usage. At the summit, there was a youth panel, and they said they feel as though they are heard by adults but not listened to; I believe it's important to listen to youth and not just hear. When it [...]

By |2025-10-09T16:20:13-04:00July 30th, 2025|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Health|
Read More
Go to Top