The very definition of volunteerism is to offer oneself for some service or undertaking, which sounds like the least selfish act possible. However, research has found that when you do good for others, there are plenty of perks in it for you, too. Read the list below to get inspired to lend a helping hand during National Volunteer Week (April 12-18). Ten personal reasons to volunteer: You’ll feel great – When you donate to charity, the [...]
This post originally appeared as a guest column in the Grant County News. By Lynne M. Saddler, MD, MPH Think about the last time you had to run a quick errand. Maybe you went to the post office, library, store or a nearby friend’s house. How did you get there? Odds are, you drove your car. American society is definitely car-dependent. In the 2010 Future of Transportation Study, conducted by Transportation for America, 73 percent [...]
The 2015 legislative session wrapped up this week and proved to be another strong session for Kentucky children. In the end, three Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities were sent to the Governor for his signature. These legislative actions will mean Kentucky children are better prepared for a strong, healthy future. Senate Bill 119, sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams with Representative Rita Smart filing a companion bill in the House, addresses the serious problem of [...]
March is National Social Work Month. To celebrate the field of social work and social workers themselves, I want to share with you a parable that illustrates the importance of the profession whose primary mission is “to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.” Anyone who has received a degree in [...]
Right now, an estimated 3.7 million children in our country are eligible but not enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage—which includes dental care. Their parents or caregivers may not know how to enroll or even realize that their children are eligible. Let’s do our part to reach these families and help connect children to coverage. CHIP and Medicaid provide access to oral health care for millions of children in the [...]
The legislature met for three days this week and now takes a break until they come back for a final two days of session on March 23 and 24. Representatives and Senators worked long days this week trying to get several bills through both chambers. We are excited to report that two Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children’s bills made it all the way through the legislative process last night and will now head to the Governor’s desk [...]
Photo credit: capitol.ky.gov Although this was the first week of March, the snow decided to once again arrive in full force, causing the legislature to cancel session on Thursday and Friday. However, some bills did see movement during the three-day week. With only a few days left of the session, several Blueprint bills are just steps away from becoming a reality for Kentucky kids. Now’s the time to make your voice heard and call your [...]
Snow remains on the ground and cold temperatures are sticking around, but the legislature was back in action this week. Two Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children bills progressed in the House: HB 429 to create a strong child care sector in Kentucky through a child care council passed the House Health and Welfare Committee on February 24. It now awaits a vote on the House floor. HB 301 to ensure school personnel receive education on child [...]
Home visiting is one of the most successful ways to help support parents in the tough job of parenting. Kentucky’s voluntary home visiting programs are supported with federal funding through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV). This funding is set to expire March 31, 2015, putting home visiting programs at risk of not being able to serve families in need. Please join us in a national Home Visiting Day of Action on Tuesday, March [...]
As February and Children’s Dental Health Month come to a close, we’re reminded that oral health needs to be a priority every month. Good oral health habits and regular visits to their dentist can give kids the strong start they need to have healthy teeth and gums going into adulthood. Pain from dental problems is a leading cause of school absences in Kentucky. Knowing this and that half of second graders in Kentucky are affected [...]
