Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org
SHELBYVILLE, KY – Today, the Together We Bloom Summit, hosted by Bloom Kentucky, is bringing together hundreds of advocates, policymakers, and community leaders from across the Commonwealth focused on mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and cultivating Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) through policy and systems change. The sold out, one-day conference offers attendees the opportunity to hear from experts on ACEs and resilience, attend workshops on messaging and advocating for policy change, and to network with community partners from all corners of Kentucky.
"Kentucky's future depends on the well-being of its children. Strong communities launch thriving families, and thriving families nurture children who grow into healthy, hopeful adults. That's why Bloom Kentucky is working to cultivate a Commonwealth where every child has the opportunity to flourish," said Barry Allen, president and CEO of the Gheens Foundation. "This sold out event is a testament to the power of collaboration and we know that collaboration is what is going to help advance policies and other solutions for Kentucky's kids."
In Kentucky, one in five children have already experienced at least two ACEs. While ACEs can have lifelong impacts on health and well-being, Bloom Kentucky believes that together we can mitigate the effects of adversity in childhood and promote positive experiences. Steps to promote protective factors, strengthen community ties, and improve public infrastructure are necessary to shape the environments in which children grow for the better.
This summit offers a call to action for those committed to ensuring Kentucky kids and families have the support they need to thrive. Bloom Kentucky is welcoming a lineup of expert speakers and state leaders, including:
- Dr. Robert Sege, MD, PhD, FAAP, is a professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine, where he serves as the Director of the HOPE National Resource Center. Dr. Sege is nationally known for his research on social determinants of health, PCEs, and child abuse prevention.
- Dr. Wendy Ellis, Dr. P.H, is an assistant professor in Global Health and the Founding Director of the Center for Community Resilience at George Washington University. She is a leading expert on ACEs and community resilience.
- Sarah Stewart Holland & Beth Stivers are Kentucky natives who are authors and host the podcast, Pantsuit Politics. They bring a thoughtful approach to navigating tough conversations, focused on harnessing the power of disagreement and strengthening relationships through healthy conflict.
- FrameWorks Institute specializes in strategic messaging and public engagement. Anna Marie Trester and Criscilla Benford from the institute will be sharing recommendations for how to effectively communicate about ACEs and PCEs in a way that inspires public action.
- A panel discussion featuring Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Committee Executive Director Chris Evans, state Representative Ken Fleming, and Kentucky Department of Public Health Deputy Commissioner of Clinical Affairs Dr. Connie White.
Bloom Kentucky, an initiative backboned by Kentucky Youth Advocates and powered by grantmaking partners from across the Commonwealth, is united by a shared commitment to end ACEs and to promote resilience through systemic change. By focusing on forward-thinking policy solutions and strategic investments, we can address the root causes of adversity and build a brighter future for all Kentuckians.
"The real strategy of events like the Together We Bloom Summit is inspiring the advocates and leaders in attendance to identify what's next – what action steps they plan to take from here, especially as we look ahead to the 2026 state budget session. Whether it's reaching out to a policymaker, starting a new partnership in your community focused on building positive experiences for young people, or implementing an advocacy strategy at their organization, there's a way in which everyone can plug in," said Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates.
Bloom Kentucky thanks the statewide network of grantmakers for their support of the initiative and today's event. We also appreciate the support of the over 20 partner organizations exhibiting at the Together We Bloom Summit hosted at the Shelbyville Conference Center.
Learn more about Bloom Kentucky and the Together We Bloom Summit at bloomky.org.
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Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky's children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at kyyouth.org.
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