Summit | Cultivating Kentucky’s Future

Bloom Summit: Together We Bloom is happening on May 7 in Shelbyville. This one-day event will focus on cultivating positive childhood experiences through both policy and systems change across the Commonwealth, offering a unique platform to explore new strategies for fostering resilience and mitigating adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in Kentucky's children. The summit brings together experts and change makers dedicated to the well-being of children. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, gain insights into the latest research, and network with peers committed to building a brighter future for Kentucky's youth.

Learn more and register here.

Roadshow | ThriveKY Policy & Advocacy Updates

Join the ThriveKY Coalition for important updates on the economy, Medicaid, KCHIP, SNAP, housing, transportation, childcare, public health, behavioral health, and suicide prevention. The May programs include an in-person stop in Somerset on May 6 and a virtual program on May 20. Find more details here.

New Data | School Health Services

​This school health infographic, published by the Kentucky Department of Education, provides a snapshot of the number of chronic health conditions as well as the number of health office visits for the students in Kentucky's public schools during the 2023-24 school year. The data is self-reported yearly by public school districts via the Kentucky Student Information System and Infinite Campus. This information is intended to be shared to promote the growing need for student school health services.

View infographic.

Grand Rounds | ACEs & Substance Use Prevention

Join the Bounce Coalition on May 20 for an engaging Grand Rounds session focused on the intersection of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and substance use prevention, with a spotlight on school-based prevention models that support early intervention and resilience. This forum is designed to foster cross-sector collaboration, deepen our understanding of trauma-informed practices, and generate practical, community-based solutions. Learn more.

Training │Child & Adolescent Nutrition and Wellness

Aetna Better Health of Kentucky manages the Supporting Kentucky Youth program (SKY) which is offering a Child & Adolescent Nutrition and Wellness training highlighting a trauma-inofmred, holistic approach to overall health and wellness. The training will be held May 8, 2025, from 11:00 – 12:00. If you have questions, you can reach out to Erica Jones at JonesE8@aetna.com. 

Learn more and register here. 

Healthy School Meals for All

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) report, The Reach of School Breakfast and Lunch During the 2023–2024 School Year, highlights significant progress in expanding access to nutritious school meals. During the 2023–2024 school year, participation in both the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) increased. More than 15 million children received school breakfast, including over 12 million who received it for free or at a reduced price—an increase of over 900,000 children (8 percent) compared to the previous year.

Recognizing the vital role that access to healthy meals plays in supporting children’s health, academic performance, and overall well-being, eight states have implemented policies to provide free school meals to all students, regardless of household income. These states are California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Vermont.

Troubling Days Ahead for Medicaid

The Urban Institute has released a new report, State-by-State Estimates of Medicaid Expansion Coverage Losses under a Federal Work Requirement, analyzing the potential impact of implementing work requirements for Medicaid eligibility. Drawing on data and lessons from two states that previously implemented such requirements, the report estimates that nearly 5 million adults covered under the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion could lose their health coverage by 2026 if a federal work requirement policy is adopted—an option currently under consideration as a cost-cutting measure.

In Kentucky, the projected impact is particularly severe. The report estimates that between 120,000 and 136,000 Medicaid expansion adults, ages 19 to 55, could lose coverage. Kentucky has recently approved work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, putting many at risk of losing access to health care.

Currently, Kentucky has over 600,000 children enrolled in Medicaid or its companion program, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), out of a total Medicaid enrollment of approximately 1.5 million. These changes could ripple across the state’s healthcare system, deepening coverage gaps for already vulnerable populations.

Mental Health and Neurodevelopment Disorders in Children

The percentage of publicly insured children who received any mental health or neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis statistically significantly increased between 2010 and 2019, as did the percentage who received a diagnosis in many specific categories. This is the findings of the study Trends in Mental Health Diagnoses Among Publicly Insured Children published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).



The study found that the percentage of publicly insured children diagnosed with any mental health or neurodevelopmental disorder increased from 10.7% in 2010 to 16.5% in 2019. Statistically significant increases were observed in 9 of 13 specific diagnostic categories, including ADHD, trauma-and-stressor related disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. 

Doubling Health and Opportunity in Kentucky Communities

Through Kentucky Double Dollars (KDD), a program of the Community Farm Alliance (CFA), Kentuckians participating in SNAP, WIC, and senior nutrition programs are stretching their food budgets while boosting their health. By doubling the value of federal nutrition benefits, KDD enables participants to purchase more fresh, locally grown food at over 100 farmers markets and retail locations across the Commonwealth.

In 2024, KDD matched $242,439 in nutrition incentives, resulting in $484,878 spent on local produce—supporting both family health and Kentucky’s agricultural economy.

A Transformative Impact in 2024

The 2024 program evaluation highlights Kentucky Double Dollars' far-reaching impact on food access, nutrition, and well-being:

Healthier Behaviors:

95% of participants adopted at least one healthier food habit.

87% reduced their intake of processed foods.

85% gained nutritional knowledge.

74% reported better digestive health.

76% became more physically active.

64% experienced weight loss.

Improved Health Outcomes:

Participants reported better overall health, with “fair/poor” health ratings falling from 43% to 27%, and “very good” ratings rising from 16% to 21%. Those in poorer health at the start saw the most dramatic improvements.

Dietary Gains:

Weekly vegetable consumption increased by two servings, salad by one, and tomatoes by half a serving.

69% of participants reported eating more vegetables overall, and 64% ate more fruit. Many replaced fried foods with healthier fresh options.

Real Stories, Real Change

Beyond the numbers, KDD is changing lives. Participants shared stories of trying unfamiliar vegetables like bok choy and kale—often guided by farmers’ tips and shared recipes. For families on tight budgets, the program’s affordability made nutritious meals more accessible and sustainable.

Looking Ahead

Kentucky Double Dollars remains committed to growing its impact in 2025. By expanding access, building partnerships, and removing barriers to healthy food, KDD will continue to empower Kentuckians to live healthier lives while supporting local farms and communities.

KDD is not just a nutrition program—it’s a movement for food equity and public health in Kentucky.

All but two Ky school districts sign Trump

administration’s pledge against ‘illegal’ DEI

2nd case of measles confirmed; Kindergarten vaccine rates drop; Study: measles could become endemic again

Kentucky’s average public school teacher pay ranks 42nd in the nation, education group says

Education Department stops $1 billion in funding for school mental health

Metro United Way Helps Families Track Child Development with Free Screening Tool

What will deportations mean for the child welfare system?

HHS Urges Therapy for Transgender Youth Instead of Broader Gender-Affirming Care

American Academy of Pediatrics Statement on HHS Report Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria

Federal government plans to cut funding for crisis lifeline's LGBTQ youth services

Kentucky Department for Public Health

Kentucky Family Thrive

Kentucky Department of Education

Kentucky Health Departments Association

Kentucky Nurses Association

Kentucky Primary Care Association

Kentucky Public Health Association

Kentucky Psychological Association 

Kentucky School Boards Association

Kentucky Voices for Health

Kentucky Youth Advocates

KY Parent Teacher Association – 16^th District

Playworks

Pritchard Committee for Academic Excellence

Seven Counties Services

Spalding University

St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Trans Parent Lex

United Healthcare

University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences

University of Louisville School of Public Health & Information Studies

#iCANendthetrend