Making Kids Count

Terry Brooks is joined by Larry Craig, Executive Committee member of the Kosair for Kids Board of Directors and owner of Craig & Landreth Cars; Dr. Jerry Rabalais, member of the Kosair for Kids Advisory Council and Emeritus Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville; and Dr. Shannon Moody, Chief Policy & Strategy Officer at Kentucky Youth Advocates and lead of the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement.They discuss the state of state on child maltreatment and fatalities, a continued focus on going upstream in prevention efforts, and Face It's efforts to encourage everyone to play a role in ending child abuse in the Commonwealth. Get involved with the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement at faceitabuse.org. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Guest host Alicia Whatley is joined by three Kentucky young people: Phoenix Berry, a member of KYA's 2025 Housing Policy Ambassadors cohort from Lexington; Kiera Dunk, 10th grade student and child abuse prevention advocate from Oldham County; and, Griffin Nemeth, the Youth Advisory Board Coordinator for the #iCANendthetrend program at the University of Kentucky. They discuss their advocacy journeys and share their tips for other young people wanting to make an impact in their community or at the state level. Find KYA's full KYGA25 session recap blog and details on the April 29th Blueprint webinar at kyyouth.org/blueprintky/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Guest host Cortney Downs is joined by state Representative Nick Wilson, Amanda Hall of Dream.org, and Sarah Durand of KYFREE for a discussion on House Bill 291, known as the Family Preservation and Accountability Act. They dive into the impact of parental incarceration on children, communities, and the state economy. HB 291 is a Blueprint for Kentucky's Children priority bill that would require the courts to consider alternative sentencing options -- such as vocational training, mental health services, or outpatient substance use treatment -- for those who have committed a non-violent offense and are the primary caregiver to a dependent child; it is currently awaiting action by the Kentucky Senate. Find more information on HB 291 and how to take action on our bill tracker at https://kyyouth.org/bill-tracker/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks and Alicia Whatley are joined by state Senator Jimmy Higdon and Delanie Crump, a high school freshman from Boyd County, for a discussion on the state of youth vaping in Kentucky. They also discuss the impact Senate Bill 100 could have on holding retailers accountable for selling nicotine and tobacco products to youth under age 21 and ultimately curbing youth vaping in the Commonwealth. SB 100 is a Blueprint for Kentucky's Children priority bill focused on enforcing the Tobacco-21 law and is currently awaiting action by the Kentucky House of Representatives. Find more information on SB 100 and how to take action at kyyouth.org/bill-tracker/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by members of Kentucky Youth Advocates' policy team - Shannon Moody, Alicia Whatley, and Cortney Downs - to share updates on Blueprint for Kentucky's Children 2025 policy priorities and insights on the Frankfort landscape and the impact on kids' issues. Find details on each of the bills discussed at kyyouth.org/bill-tracker/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by Kentucky's Attorney General Russell Coleman to discuss his office's role in convening diverse stakeholders on issues impacting kids and families, as well as ongoing efforts around the Opioid Settlement Fund, protecting kids online, and a substance use prevention campaign targeting youth. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by Kelly Pullen, Executive Director of the Aetna Better Health® of Kentucky's Supporting Kentucky Youth (SKY) program. We hear more about the long term impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the role Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) has in mitigating adversity. Terry and Kelly also reflect on the SKY program's ACEs prevention and intervention efforts and how all Kentuckians can play a role in preventing adversity and promoting resilience building among children. Aetna Better Health of Kentucky is the signature sponsor of the 2024 Kentucky KIDS COUNT Data Book and the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks shares reflections on the first week of the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly, updates on Blueprint for Kentucky's Children policy priorities, and a call to action for advocates to speak up for kids throughout the short state legislative session. Find advocacy information and resources at kyyouth.org/blueprintKY. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by state Auditor of Public Accounts Allison Ball to discuss her roles as state Treasurer and Auditor. They also dive into the office of the Auditor's recent efforts that will impact some of Kentucky's most vulnerable kids: the successful transition of the Office of the Ombudsman, the ongoing assessment of Senate Bill 151 to support kinship families, and the ongoing investigation into incidents of children in foster care sleeping in DCBS offices. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks shares an overview of the 2024 Kentucky KIDS COUNT Data Book and the trends in the latest child well-being data. The 2024 Data Book and new online, interactive County Data Dashboard feature the latest data on 16 measures of economic security, education, health, and family and community. Additionally, the essay of this year's edition dives into the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and progress on mitigating those impacts through Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). View the Data Book and accompanying resources at kyyouth.org/kentucky-kids-count/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by Maddie Shepard, President of the Jefferson County Teachers Association, to discuss the opponent perspective of Amendment 2, the state ballot initiative to amend the Kentucky constitution to allow the Kentucky General Assembly to create legislation that allows public dollars to be spent to support nonpublic or private K-12 education. Be an informed voter on November 5th -- check out Kentucky Youth Advocates' Electoral Advocacy Toolkit to ensure Kentucky kids count this election day at kyyouth.org. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by state Senator Lindsey Tichenor to discuss the proponent perspective of Amendment 2, the state ballot initiative to amend the Kentucky constitution to allow the Kentucky General Assembly to create legislation that allows public dollars to be spent to support nonpublic or private K-12 education. Be an informed voter on November 5th -- check out Kentucky Youth Advocates' Electoral Advocacy Toolkit to ensure Kentucky kids count this election day at kyyouth.org. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by Jonathan Shell, Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture, to discuss the Department of Agriculture's initiatives related to hunger, nutrition, and workforce, as well as the role we can all play in advocacy and volunteerism. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman to continue Kentucky Youth Advocates' look at the 2024 national KIDS COUNT® Data Book and Kentucky students' educational outcomes. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Alicia Whatley, KYA's Senior Policy & Advocacy Director, is joined by Dr. Brit Anderson, pediatrician and vice president of the Kentucky Chapter of the American Academy for Pediatrics, Bruce Crouch, who has served as a school resource officer in Taylor County and helps lead the Taylor County Youth Coalition, and Ashlea Christiansen, Kentucky government relations director for the American Heart Association. They look at the state of youth vaping, prevention and intervention practices, and advocacy needed to enact policies that focus on preventing and ending vaping use among Kentucky kids and teens. Find Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program information here. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Dinkins, dean of the School of Education at Bellarmine University, and Dr. Jim Flynn, Executive Director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, to continue Kentucky Youth Advocates' look at the 2024 national KIDS COUNT® Data Book and Kentucky students' educational outcomes. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by state Senator Max Wise and Representative James Tipton to continue Kentucky Youth Advocates' look at the 2024 national KIDS COUNT® Data Book and Kentucky students' educational outcomes. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

As part of Kentucky Youth Advocates' segment with WEKU's Eastern Standard Radio, Terry Brooks was recently joined by Dr. Tony Zipple, Bounce co-chair, and Kelly Pullen, executive director of Aetna Better Health of Kentucky's SKY Program, to discuss youth mental health and highlight the partnership between CVS Health and the Bounce Coalition. They break down findings from a recent CVS Health-Morning Consult mental health survey, discuss the state of youth mental health in Kentucky, and offer tips for families navigating challenges. Learn more about the Bounce Coalition and request a training at bouncecoalition.org. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks reflects on key takeaways from the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2024 KIDS COUNT® Data Book. The 50-state report provides state level data and rankings, analyzing how kids are faring in post-pandemic America. With a focus on challenges facing children's educational outcomes, the data show Kentucky must do more to prepare children to learn so they are ready to earn when they reach adulthood. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by Cori Gadansky, executive director of Community Coordinated Child Care, Charles Aull, executive director of the Center for Policy & Research at the KY Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Sarah Vanover, Policy & Research Director and lead on child care at KYA. They look at the wins and missed opportunities for child care during the 2024 General Assembly, the impacts on centers and families that need to be monitored, and what federal and state advocacy is needed going forward for early childhood education and care. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by Shane Noem, a Republican lobbyist from Northern Kentucky with Roebling Solutions and a Kentucky Youth Advocates board member, and Abby Piper, Founder & Managing Partner of the government and public relations firm Piper Smith based in Lexington. Terry shares KYA's recap of "fumbles" for kids by the 2024 General Assembly and facilitates a debrief of the legislative session with our guests. Learn more about the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children and track the progress of bills that are good for kids at kyyouth.org/blueprintKY. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks is joined by Barry Dunn, President & CEO of Kosair for Kids, and Shannon Moody, KYA's Chief Policy & Strategy Officer, for a look at the Face It Movement's efforts over the last decade. As part of a call to action for Child Abuse Prevention Month, they discuss the state of child maltreatment in the Commonwealth, the growth and impact of Face It, and how everyone can play a role in prevention. Learn more about the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement at faceitabuse.org. If you suspect abuse, call the Child Protection Hotline at 1-877-KYSAFE1. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks and Kentucky Youth Advocates' policy team discuss the status of the 2024 state budget proposal as the General Assembly begins conference committee negotiations, and offer advocates calls to action to ensure kids and families are prioritized in the final biennial budget. Learn more about the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children and track the progress of bills that are good for kids at kyyouth.org/blueprintKY. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks speaks with Senator Max Wise, Chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor Committee, to discuss the General Assembly's school safety efforts since 2019 and components of Senate Bill 2 of 2024. Learn more about the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children and track the progress of bills that are good for kids at kyyouth.org/blueprintKY. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

As part of Children's Advocacy Week 2024, Terry Brooks speaks with leaders of the Education Committees -- Representative James Tipton and Senator Jimmy Higdon. They discuss the state of K-12 education and school choice, teacher workforce, student mental health, and more. Learn more about the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children and track the progress of bills that are good for kids at https://kyyouth.org/blueprintky/

As part of Children's Advocacy Week 2024, Shannon Moody speaks with the chairs of the Families and Children Committees -- first with Senator Danny Carroll and then with Representative Samara Heavrin. They discuss a variety of topics discussed within their committees, from child care and early childhood education to foster care and kinship care to paid family leave. Learn more about the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children and track the progress of bills that are good for kids at kyyouth.org/blueprintKY. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks offers predictions of the 2024 General Assembly, reflections on the legislative session so far, and a look ahead to Children's Advocacy Week. Learn more about the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children and track the progress of bills that are good for kids at https://kyyouth.org/blueprintky/

Terry Brooks is joined by Bill Goodman, executive director of Kentucky Humanities, for a conversation with Cara Fitzpatrick, author of “The Death of Public School: How Conservatives Won the War Over Education in America." They discuss Fitzpatrick's book, the national landscape of school choice, and what it means for Kentucky.

Terry Brooks discusses the 2023 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book, including the latest data on 16 measures of child well-being and an analysis of the "kid workforce" -- the committed adults that support and impact the well-being of Kentucky's children and youth. View the County Data Book, our press release, county profiles, and more at https://kyyouth.org/kentucky-kids-count/. The 2023 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book was made possible with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and KIDS COUNT sponsors, including Aetna® Better Health of Kentucky, Kosair for Kids®, Charter Communications, and Mountain Comprehensive Care Center.

Terry Brooks sits down with Governor Andy Beshear to discuss issues impacting Kentucky kids, such as education, child welfare, juvenile justice, and much more. Tune in to hear the candidate's ideas for helping make Kentucky the best place to be young. An invitation for an appearance on the Making Kids Count Podcast has also been extended to Gubernatorial Candidate Daniel Cameron. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks sits down with Colonel Pam Stevenson, state Representative of District 43, to discuss issues impacting Kentucky kids, such as Adverse Childhood Experiences, the impact of parental incarceration on kids, improvements to the youth justice system, and much more. Tune in to hear the candidate's ideas for the role of the Attorney General's office in making Kentucky the best place to young. Listen to our podcast episode featuring Kentucky Attorney General Candidate Russell Coleman. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks sits down with Russell Coleman, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, to discuss issues impacting Kentucky kids, such as Adverse Childhood Experiences, the impact of parental incarceration on kids, improvements to the youth justice system, and much more. Tune in to hear the candidate's ideas for the role of the Attorney General's office in making Kentucky the best place to young. Listen to our podcast episode featuring Kentucky Attorney General Candidate Pam Stevenson. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week, Shannon Moody sits down with Barry Allen, President & Treasurer of the Gheens Foundation, and Kristin Walker Collins, the Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, to discuss the importance of community listening and best practices in implementing. Alicia Whatley then shares takeaways from Sowing Resilience: A Bloom Kentucky Listening Tour, including what communities shared as challenges in housing, mental health, substance use, and more. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks discusses data trends featured in the latest national KIDS COUNT Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, including challenges facing child and family well-being and the child care sector. Sarah Vanover, Policy and Research Director at Kentucky Youth Advocates, moderates a panel of child care advocates: State Senator Danny Carroll, Ashley Brandt with Metro United Way, and Kathy Donelan of Aunt Kathy's Child Care & Preschool, Inc. in Northern Kentucky. View our press release and the Kentucky State Data Profile Sheet at kyyouth.org. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week, Terry Brooks and the Kentucky Youth Advocates' policy team take a detailed look at the 2023 Kentucky General Assembly, Blueprint for Kentucky's Children wins and missed opportunities, and what it means for kids and their families. Learn more about the 2023 Blueprint priority bills and other bills that are good for kids at kyyouth.org/bill-tracker/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks sits down with Morgan McGarvey, Kentucky Senate Minority Floor Leader and Congressman-Elect for Kentucky's 3rd District, to discuss the landscape and his priorities for children and families as he leaves Frankfort and heads to Washington, DC. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Terry Brooks provides a landscape of the 2023 General Assembly, an update on the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children, and ways for advocates to speak up for kids leading up to the first day of session on January 3, 2023. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, Terry Brooks discusses the 2022 Kentucky General Assembly and impacts on kids and their families with Senators Julie Raque Adams and Whitney Westerfield and Representative Killian Timoney. Learn more about Blueprint for Kentucky's Children priority wins and missed opportunities in 2022 at kyyouth.org/blueprintky/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting this virtual forum. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, Kentucky Youth Advocates took a detailed look at the 2022 Kentucky General Assembly, Blueprint for Kentucky's Children wins and missed opportunities, and what it means for kids and their families. Learn more about priority bills, how to take action, and view the Bill Tracker at kyyouth.org/blueprintky/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, Kentucky Youth Advocates takes a deep dive into the 2022 Kentucky General Assembly so far, including the progress of bills related to kids and themes emerging from the legislative session. Thank you to our panelists, including Shannon Smith from the American Heart Association, Rachel Bingham and Mavis Williamson from the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts, Mandy Simpson from Metro United Way. and Cortney Downs with Kentucky Youth Advocates. Learn more about the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children 2022 policy agenda, stay updated on the progress of bills that are good for kids on the Bill Tracker, and look up who represents you in Frankfort at kyyouth.org. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, Terry Brooks sits down with partners across the political spectrum to discuss the current budget proposals, along with how kids and families could be affected by the new state budget. Thank you to our panelists, including Jason Bailey with the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy; Jim Waters with the Bluegrass Institute; and Ashli Watts with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children state budget priorities at kyyouth.org/blueprintky/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we launch the 2022 Blueprint for Kentucky's Children state policy and budget priorities. The priorities address health, child welfare, education, families' economic security, and more. We also heard from Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers and House Minority Floor Leader Joni Jenkins as we look ahead to the 2022 legislative session. Learn more about the 2022 Blueprint priorities at kyyouth.org/blueprintky/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss the latest data on child well-being featured in this year's edition of the Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book. The 2021 book focuses on advancing racial equity across the Commonwealth and features a number of data disaggregated by race. We were also joined by State Representatives Samara Heavrin and Nima Kulkarni for a panel discussion on using this data to drive change. Check out the data book, press release, and detailed data for every Kentucky county at kyyouth.org/kentucky-kids-count. The 2021 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book was made possible with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and a number of KIDS COUNT sponsors, including Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare, Kosair Charities, and Charter Communications. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

The 2021 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book examines data disaggregated by race/ethnicity, the impacts of systemic racial injustice on children and families, and solutions to advance racial equity so that every child can thrive. The 31st edition of this publication also features the latest data on 17 measures of child well-being, showing whether outcomes for children across the Commonwealth have improved, worsened, or stayed the same over a five-year period. At the virtual press conference, Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, is joined by state legislators, community partners, and youth including: Ryan Sadler, president, Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare; State Senator Gerald Neal; State Representative Killian Timoney; Karina Barillas, executive director, La Casita Center; Anita Rodriguez, high school junior; Eltuan Dawson, Peer Network Member, True Up; Dale Robinson, co-founder, Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation; and, Shamitha Kuppala, high school senior. View the data book, press release, and detailed data for every Kentucky county at https://kyyouth.org/kentucky-kids-count/ The 2021 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book was made possible with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and a number of KIDS COUNT sponsors, including Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare, Kosair Charities, and Charter Communications.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss the state of tobacco use among youth throughout Kentucky, as well as data, policy, and state budget opportunities to prevent and mitigate nicotine and tobacco use --including the new Nix the Next campaign. Thank you to our panelists: Hannah Abdon, high school senior from Boone County; Allison Adams of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky; Betsy Clemons of the Hazard/Perry County Chamber of Commerce; and, Shannon Smith of American Heart Association. Learn more about Nix the Next, a campaign to prevent the next generation from ever becoming addicted to nicotine, at nixthenext.org. Text NixTheNext to 46839 to take action. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss the early childhood ecosystem available to serve Kentucky kids and their families, along with what is needed for a strong workforce. Thank you to our panelists, including Lauren Hogan, Managing Director of Policy and Professional Advancement at National Association for the Education of Young Children; Kevin Fields, President/Chief Executive Officer at Louisville Central Community Centers, Inc; Jennifer Washburn, Executive Director at iKids Childhood Enrichment Center; and Brenda Hagan, Project Specialist at Kentucky Governor's Office of Early Childhood. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss policies and programs to best support parents of babies. As part of the Kosair Charities Face It Movement's TEN-4 week, panelists discuss healthy development, opportunities for family engagement, and how community members can show up for families with young children. Thank you to Keith Inman of Kosair Charities for sharing remarks and to our panelists, Elena Diehl from GrowBabyGrow and Erica Wade from The Center ODC. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we continue the discussion on the challenges, opportunities, and future of the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services workforce. DCBS Commissioner Marta Miranda-Straub and members of DCBS leadership have a conversation with community stakeholders, including Kathy Adams, Director of Public Policy for Children's Alliance; Tiffany Hall, COO at Volunteers of America Mid-States; Rick Wurth, CEO of Children's Home of Northern Kentucky; and, Melissa Goins of the state Office of FRYSC. This is part two of a two-part series with DCBS. Listen to part one in the September 16, 2021 Making Kids Count episode. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss the challenges, opportunities, and future of the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services with Commissioner Marta Miranda-Straub. We also heard remarks from Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander and DCBS Deputy Commissioner Lesa Dennis. This is part one of a two-part series with DCBS. Tune in for part two on Wednesday, September 22 at 10:00 AM ET. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, shares a call-to-action on priorities for kids during the 2021 special session. Look up your state Senator and Representative contact information and read our full statement about the special session at kyyouth.org.

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss routine immunizations and the COVID-19 vaccination for Kentucky kids. Thank you to our panelists: Allison Adams, Vice President for Policy at the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky; Dr. Michael Kuduk, Vice President of the Kentucky Medical Association and pediatrician with UK Healthcare; and Kelly Pullen, Executive Director of the Aetna Better Health of Kentucky Supporting Kentucky Youth (SKY) Program. August is National Immunization Awareness Month -- learn more and find resources at kyyouth.org. The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky will be hosting their 2021 Howard L. Bost Memorial Virtual Health Policy Forum on Tuesday, September 21st on Kentucky vaccine policy including myths, messengers, and messages -- register at healthy-ky.org. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.