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Children need regular well-child and dental visits to track their development and find health problems early, when they're usually easier to treat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

KY keeps most kids enrolled in Medicaid coverage, post-pandemic

Nationwide, children are losing their Medicaid and CHIP coverage but Kentucky has kept the majority of its youngest residents enrolled, according to …

More than 70 million Americans have a criminal record that can create significant barriers to employment, according to the White House. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New KY website offers 'Second Chance' job, recovery resources

A new website aims to help Kentuckians just out of prison re-enter their communities and find job training, employment and recovery services…

First Day Forward staff offer free Narcan and program pamphlets. (Northeastern Kentucky Substance Use Response Coalition via Facebook)

Reentry program for people incarcerated offers a model for others

By Taylor Sisk for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabor…

Pandemic-era federal funding sustained about 2,000 child-care providers since 2020, according to the Kentucky Center on Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)

KY parents say reliable, affordable child-care linked to better mental health

More parents in Kentucky are switching jobs, delaying major purchases, cutting back on essential needs, and going into debt in order to afford child …

According to the Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 15% of Kentucky high school students reported having seriously considered suicide within a 12-month period. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY bill would strengthen trauma-informed resources in schools

Suicide rates among young Kentuckians are rising and proposed legislation would strengthen trauma-informed care in schools and boost youth suicide pre…

Nearly 700 Kentuckians died by gun violence in 2019, an average of nearly two people every day. Suicides made up 65% of gun deaths, according to the Kentucky Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence.(Adobe Stock)<br />

KY crisis aversion bill would help decrease gun violence, advocates say

New legislation under consideration by Kentucky lawmakers would allow police to confiscate guns from people whose family members are concerned about t…

More than half (59%) of Kentucky residents have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience or ACE, according to data from the Kentucky Department for Public Health. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY communities address ACEs to prevent substance-use disorders

Communities across the Commonwealth want to minimize traumatic experiences for the state's youngest residents - as a way to help stem the drug epidemi…

M�s de la mitad (59%) de los residentes de Kentucky han experimentado al menos una Experiencia Adversa en la Infancia o EAI, seg�n datos del Departamento de Salud P�blica de Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

Comunidades abordan las EAIs para prevenir trastornos por uso de sustancias

Las comunidades de toda la Commonwealth quieren minimizar las experiencias traumáticas de los residentes más jóvenes del estado…

The Blueprint for Kentucky's Children is a coalition of groups focused on health, child welfare, juvenile justice, education, family supports and other issues that affect the Commonwealth's youngest residents. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY youth speak to lawmakers on mental health, drug epidemic, more

Protecting, supporting and listening to Kentucky's kids is the focus of Children's Advocacy Week. As events at the Capitol in Frankfort wrap up…

Research shows that among deaf adults, rates of diagnosed depression or anxiety disorder are significantly higher, and occur at an earlier age, compared to hearing adults. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Peer support specialists help deaf Kentuckians access mental health care

Kentuckians who are deaf or hard-of-hearing face many challenges in accessing mental healthcare, and a new program aims to address the problem…

Eleven nonprofit organizations have been selected to receive funding from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky's Funding for Recovery Equity and Expansion program. (Ally Wells)

KY substance abuse groups focus on recovery equity and expansion

A new statewide program in Kentucky is providing addiction advocacy groups and recovery centers with flexible funding to focus on resource equity and …

Panelists discuss the 33rd edition of Kentucky Youth Advocates County Data Book, which looks at how Kentucky kids are faring in terms of economic security, education, health, family and community. (Adobe Stock)

Report: KY faces workforce crisis in sectors that support children

New county-level data show Kentucky is facing a severe shortage of workers in sectors supporting children, including teachers, counselors, child care …

Timeliness of care is critical for veterans, and delays in health-care access contribute to poorer physical and mental health and can exacerbate these conditions, according to research from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs. (Adobe Stock)

Kentuckians recognized for work to improve community health

In communities across the state, Kentucky residents are coming up with innovative ways to improve community health. Jeremy Harrell is the founder …

La atenci�n oportuna es fundamental para los veteranos, y los retrasos en el acceso a la atenci�n m�dica contribuyen a una peor salud f�sica y mental y pueden exacerbar estas condiciones, seg�n una investigaci�n del Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos de EE. UU. (Adobe Stock)

Residentes de KY reconocidos por trabajo para mejorar salud de la comunidad

En comunidades de todo el estado, los residentes de Kentucky están ideando formas innovadoras de mejorar la salud comunitaria. Jeremy Harrell es …

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of the nation's teens feel the world is more stressful now than when parents were their age. (Adobe stock)

This school season, know warning signs of youth mental distress

Data from last year show a growing percentage of Kentucky children and teens report struggling with depression or anxiety, largely driven by social …

In 2015, 86% of psychologists in the U.S. workforce were white, 5% were Asian, 5% were Hispanic, 4% were Black/African American and 1% were multiracial or from other racial and ethnic groups, according to the American Psychological Association. (Adobe Stock)

BIPOC Mental Health Month Shines Light on Race-Based Stress, Trauma

Research shows Kentuckians of color are at higher risk of experiencing traumatic stressful events, which sometimes can result in symptoms related to …

In 2021, some 53% of working adults ages 25 to 54 were parents, and more than a third of those parents had young children, according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe stock)

New Data Shows Well-Being of Kentucky Kids Worsens

The latest Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book shows Kentucky, along with other Appalachian and Southeastern states, ranks in the bottom …

It's estimated more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, according to data from the National Institutes of Health. (Adobe stock)

Advocates Urge Kentuckians to Wear Green for Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and across the Commonwealth, buildings are lighting up in green, the color for mental health awareness…

More than 20 million people in the United States were diagnosed with a substance use disorder in the past year, according to the National Institute on Drug abuse. (Adobe stock)

Kentucky Sees First Drop in Overdose Deaths Since 2018

Drug overdose deaths in Kentucky decreased 5% between 2022 and 2021, the first drop since 2018. New data from the Kentucky Injury Prevention and …

Whether it is due to an increase in using technology or a shift from the typical 9-5<br />workday, around 50-70 million Americans suffer from sleep issues, according to the American Sleep<br />Apnea Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

A Good Night’s Sleep Brings Host of Health Benefits

March is National Sleep Awareness Month, and more than 40% of Kentucky adults report getting fewer than seven hours of sleep a night, according to …

Alrededor de uno de cada cinco ni�os de Kentucky ha sufrido al menos un tipo de ACE, seg�n datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Infantil. (Adobe Stock)

Escuelas rurales de KY abordan traumas infantiles

Maestros, consejeros, conductores de autobús y personal escolar del condado de Russell han recibido una formación intensiva sobre los …

Around one in five Kentucky children have experienced at least one type of ACE, according to data from the National Survey of Children's Health. (Adobe Stock)

Rural KY Schools Tackle Childhood Trauma

Russell County teachers, staff, counselors, and bus drivers have received intensive training on the effects of childhood trauma on kids' mental and …

More Kentucky kids are considering their safety at school. According to the latest Kentucky Kids Count County Data Book, published by Kentucky Youth Advocates, more than 90% of the state's high school students think adults at their school work hard to make sure students are safe. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental Health, Gun Prevalence Top Concerns for Kentucky Kids

Across the state, kids say they want more resources for mental health - according to the recently released 2022 Kentucky Kids Count County data book…

People with seasonal affective disorder often feel excessively sleepy during the day and sleep longer than usual at night, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY Faces Another Risk from Natural Disasters: Seasonal Depression

Mental health experts say this winter may be especially difficult for people who have lost homes or loved ones in the eastern Kentucky floods…

Las personas con trastorno afectivo estacional a menudo se sienten excesivamente somnolientas durante el d�a y duermen m�s de lo habitual por la noche, seg�n la Academia Americana de Medicina del Sue�o. (Adobe Stock)

KY enfrenta otro riesgo debido a los desastres naturales: depresión estacional

Los expertos en salud mental dicen que este invierno puede ser especialmente difícil para las personas que han perdido sus hogares o seres querid…

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky named Denise Hall recipient of its 2022 Gil Friedell Award for her career spent serving youths in Trimble County through substance-use prevention efforts. (Adobe Stock)

KY School District Takes Lead on Mental Health, Drug-Use Prevention

In Trimble County, school staff are expanding services for students and families aimed at curbing vaping, marijuana and opioid use, and increasing …

According to the Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey, one in seven Kentucky high school students reported having seriously considered suicide within a 12-month period. (Adobe Stock)

Some KY Schools Offering Mental-Health Services Amid Youth Crisis

A pilot program launched by the Todd County School District and the county's local health department offers free mental-health case-management service…

De acuerdo con la Encuesta sobre el comportamiento de riesgo de j�venes en Kentucky, uno de cada siete estudiantes de secundaria inform� haber considerado seriamente el suicidio en un per�odo de 12 meses. (Adobe Stock)

KY Algunas escuelas ofrecen servicios de salud mental en medio de crisis juvenil

Un programa piloto lanzado por el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Todd y el departamento de salud local, ofrece servicios gratuitos de administraci…

In 2021, more than one-third of high school students nationwide reported experiencing poor mental health during the pandemic, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Urge Focus on Healthy Summer Habits for KY Kids

As Kentucky students head into the unofficial start of summer this weekend, children's advocates are urging families to prioritize physical activity…

En 2021, m�s de un tercio de los estudiantes de secundaria en todo el pa�s informaron haber experimentado problemas de salud mental durante la pandemia, seg�n datos del CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Expertos instan a enfocarse en hábitos saludables de verano para niños en KY

A medida que los estudiantes de Kentucky se acercan al inicio no oficial del verano este fin de semana, los defensores de los niños instan a las …

Research shows that high-quality after-school programs improve educational outcomes, school attendance, and social and emotional learning. (Adobe Stock)

Demand for After-School, Summer Learning Programs Soars Across KY

A new survey finds 8 in 10 Kentucky parents say afterschool programs could help their child combat social and mental-health struggles by reducing unpr…

More than 600,000 children received a child protective services investigation response or alternative response nationwide in 2020, according to the Department of Health and Human Services Child Maltreatment Report. (Adobe Stock)

New KY Law Clarifies Definition of Child Abuse

Gov. Andy Beshear has signed legislation clarifying the definition of child abuse and neglect, and allowing the state to move faster on suspected …

According to data from the Food Research and Action Center, more than 14 million kids received breakfast during the 2020-2021 school year. (Adobe Stock)

Statewide Push to Update Laws, Remove “Barriers to Breakfast” for KY Kids

Senate lawmakers are considering updating existing legislation to allow kids to eat breakfast at school 15 minutes after the bell. During National …

The McElhannons enjoyed Derby Day, one year before his medically assisted death. (McElhannon)

KY Sees Growing Support for Medical-Aid-In Dying Bill

Legislation in Kentucky would give a person who has a terminal illness but is of sound mind the ability to request a medication they could self-admini…

Studies have shown that children's media use of more than two hours a day can lead to increases in obesity. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentucky AG Wants Facebook to Scrap Kids’ Instagram

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky's attorney general is part of a group that wants Facebook to stop its plans to create a kids' version of Instagram…

In 2018, Kentucky's National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call centers responded to more than 30,000 of the 2.5 million calls made across the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky Expands Suicide-Prevention Resources Amid Pandemic

FRANKFORT, Ky. - To keep pace with the growing demand for mental-health resources, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services has added …

Una nueva coalici�n en Kentucky busca mejorar la salud de ni�as y ni�os en los ambientes escolares. (Adobe Stock)

Nueva Coalición busca promover la Información sobre el Trauma en la Escuelas

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Una nueva coalición estatal quiere que las escuelas y las comunidades se enfoquen en la educación y que cuiden a los …

A new statewide coalition wants schools and communities to focus on trauma-informed education and care for students. More from Nadia Ramlagan (StockPhoto).

New KY Coalition Aims to Promote Trauma-Informed Education in Schools

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A new statewide coalition wants schools and communities to focus on trauma-informed education and care for students. The Kentucky …

Appalachian residents' household income is 82.5% of the U.S. average, and 16% of Appalachians live below the federal poverty level. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 'Diseases of Despair' Take Lives of Appalachian Women

PIKEVILLE, Ky. - A new report says women ages 35 to 44 in Appalachia are dying of drug overdose, suicide and alcoholic liver disease at rates 69% …

Kentucky leads the nation in cases of child abuse and neglect, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Adobe Stock)

KY Child Welfare System “Pushed to the Brink”

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The state's child welfare system is struggling to keep pace with unprecedented levels of mental distress among families, according …

Group counseling is an important part of substance-abuse recovery. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Recovery Centers Grapple with “Colliding” Public Health Crises

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The coronavirus has upended the community-based model that recovery centers use to help individuals battling addiction. Research …

Juvenile-court officials say school closures because of the coronavirus pandemic have contributed to the nationwide drop in youth arrests and detention. (Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 Leading to “Extremely Isolating” Experience for Detained KY Youth

COVINGTON, Ky. -- Juvenile courts report arrests of young people have dropped since the coronavirus pandemic began. Data from the Annie E. Casey …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four women will experience physical violence from an intimate partner at some point during her lifetime. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Pandemic Won't Deter KY Domestic Violence Shelters

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The state's 15 domestic-violence shelters say they have no plans to close their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to …

Health experts recommend staying at home as much as possible to avoid spreading the new coronavirus. (Adobe Stock)

Coping with Anxiety, Stress Over New Coronavirus

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, so does anxiety. Health professionals say social distancing, frequent hand …

A 2014 survey published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies found spanking in American households is on the decline, compared with data from 1985 and 1975. (Adobe Stock)

KY One of 19 States That Still Allows Spanking in Schools

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- State lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban spanking in schools. Kentucky is one of 19 states that continue to allow …

As of 2018, 239,000 Kentucky children relied on food-assistance benefits, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Changes Could Reduce KY Families' Access to Food

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Last week, Kentucky House lawmakers advanced legislation that would reform how the state provides cash and food assistance and …

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 2 million people with mental illnesses are booked into jails each year. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Bill Would Ban Death Penalty for Severely Mentally Ill Persons

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky lawmakers are considering a bill that would prevent seriously mentally ill defendants from receiving the death penalty…

Kentucky ranks 28th in the number of deaths related to suicide, according to America's Health Rankings. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Create Statewide KY Mental Health First Aid Training Program

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A House Republican from Taylor Mill has pre-filed a bill that would create a statewide Mental Health First Aid Training …

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KY: Mental Health