NEW YEAR, NEW YOU(TH)! 



KPFC's Kentucky Youth MOVE Council, commonly known as KYM, officially sunset as of June 30, 2025. Over the next six months, KPFC will be navigating other opportunities to "refresh, renew, and revamp" its Transition Age Youth (16 to 25yrs old) engagement and support for fiscal year 2026. Got an idea to share? Interested in being a part of something bigger and better? 

Reach out to us at jesse@kypartnership.org

WE'RE HIRING!

Here we "grow" again - KPFC is looking to hire its next round of

Family Peer Support Specialists as we continue to increase in both strength and numbers for fiscal year 2026. We're no longer locked into specific DCBS service regions - we're everywhere, folks - statewide! 

Are you an experienced, certified family peer support specialist in the state of KY looking to join an amazing team?

If so, reach out to us at tblevins@kypartnership.org!

KPFC would like to thank all of our friends, families, customers, and partners for all of their respective time and efforts in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025.



We would like to extend a special, heartfelt thank you to our wonderful Board of Directors for their incredible work during a year full of transition and growth:

• Penny Smith, Chair
• Calizza Farell, Vice Chair
• Melissa Goins, Treasurer
• Emily Keely, Secretary
• Angel Michael Cobb

• Heidi Schissler-Lanham
• Joy Varney
• Laketa Gray
• Rosalyn Patton-Pelt
• Tyler Adams

July is designated as BIPOC Mental Health Month, also known as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

This observance aims to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and to promote resources and support for their mental well-being to specifically address the mental health needs and disparities experienced by BIPOC individuals. 

BIPOC communities often face unique stressors like systemic racism, discrimination, and historical trauma, which can significantly impact their mental health. 

Mental health isn’t just about what’s going on inside. It’s also shaped by how we’re treated, what we have access to, and what’s expected of us. For BIPOC communities, these factors can have an even bigger impact on mental health. 

Learn more at mhanational.org/bipoc.

Reminders for communities of color:🧡

You are worthy of love and joy. You are allowed to ask for help. Your voice is powerful

Explore BIPOC Mental Health resources at mhanational.org/july

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741.

Heat exhaustion is the most common type of heat-related illness. It can occur when you exert yourself, especially in hot weather. Learn the signs, symptoms, and how to prevent it.

If you are having symptoms, immediately stop what you’re doing and move to a cooler area. Cool your body and seek medical care. Untreated heat exhaustion can progress to life-threatening heat stroke.

Here are some tips for preventing heat exhaustion:



1. Stay hydrated. This involves taking in enough fluids to support your daily needs plus drinking even more than usual when you’re active. Tips for staying hydrated include setting alerts on your phone to remind yourself to drink up and eating foods with a high water content. It’s also important to take in enough electrolytes.
2. Limit physical activity in the heat. Whenever possible, plan your outdoor activities for cooler times during the day (like early morning). If you work in a hot environment, talk to your employer about ways to lower your risk of heat exhaustion — for example, by taking short, scheduled breaks.
3. Let your body get used to the heat. Healthcare providers call this process acclimatizing. It means you slowly work up to more intense physical activity in the heat over a period of at least a couple weeks. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity. This can help if you’re training for an athletic event (where you can’t control the weather on the big day) or planning a trip somewhere warm.
4. Dress for the occasion. Wear loose-fitting or vented clothes when working out to allow air to circulate against your skin. This helps sweat evaporate and cool your body.

Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21480-heat-exhaustion

The Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) and the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) are developing a new waiver to serve individuals aged 21 and younger.

The proposed waiver will offer 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to children, youth, and young adults with multi-system needs and complexities who meet either Hospital-Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility or Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities level of care.



DMS is collecting public comments on the proposed waiver as part of the process for receiving approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The public comment period runs from June 16, 2025, to July 15, 2025. Please see the following materials for additional information about the waiver and how to submit a public comment.

CHILD Waiver Public Notice

Proposed CHILD Waiver Application

Proposed CHILD Waiver Application Summary 

Comments and questions will not be responded to individually. DMS will review all comments submitted between June 16 and July 15, and issue a formal public response before submitting the waiver application to CMS for approval. 

To receive email updates about Kentucky's 1915(c) HCBS waiver programs, subscribe to updates or email MedicaidPublicComment@ky.gov. 

Substance Use Treatment Locator

Millions of Americans have a substance use disorder. Help is available. FindTreatment.gov.

Find Treatment in KY

Use this website to find facilities and providers who are actively taking new clients. https://findhelpnow.org/ky

Disaster Distress Helpline

1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746).

Website: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

Find alcohol, drug, or mental health treatment facilities and programs around the country at findtreatment.samhsa.gov.