Karina Barillas and Eva Melissa Astudillo, La Casita Center – Guest Contributors In December 2021, La Casita Center in Louisville, Kentucky, conducted a survey to members of their community including those who are Latinx, immigrant, or Spanish-speaking to better understand the community’s utilization of health insurance, telehealth services, and barriers to accessing coverage and care. Project designed by the consulting team of La Casita Center in collaboration with Kentucky Youth Advocates. Data was collected via [...]

Since March 2020 COVID-19 has been making headlines, especially in the oral health field. Now, nearly two years later, the conversation is shifting – away from dental office closures, limited capacity, and infection control procedures to the clinical outcomes that are becoming more apparent to dental professionals. In partnership with the Kentucky Primary Care Association, KOHC gathered insights from oral health professionals around the state about the impact of COVID-19 on oral health. The findings, [...]

As the Kentucky legislature considers hundreds of bills and prioritizes investments in the next biennial state budget, it’s imperative that we as a Commonwealth ensure that all Kentuckians, including our youngest, have access to the support they need for their healthy development – and a healthy mouth. We know that health impacts every aspect of a child’s life and is a key component of overall child wellbeing. The strong connection between good oral health and overall [...]

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This year, the American Dental Association is promoting the benefits of dental sealants throughout this month-long celebration. Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC) is teaming up with professionals, parents, and members of the community to teach children about the importance of good oral health habits, how to practice oral hygiene, and how maintaining oral health can lead to improved overall health. Good oral health habits can prevent cavities, maintain [...]

The Kentucky General Assembly reconvened in Frankfort on Tuesday, January 4th for a 60-day session. Oral health advocates across the commonwealth are counting on state leaders to prioritize policies and investments that create a brighter, healthier future for all. Check out these 8 ways oral health advocates can use their voice during the 2022 legislative session: Review the KOHC policy and budget priorities for the 2022 session. Look up who represents you in Frankfort and how to contact your [...]

Happy New Year! Kentucky Oral Health Coalition is excited to usher in 2022 with upcoming opportunities that oral health members and stakeholders can look forward to. Advocate for KOHC policy and budget priorities during the 2022 legislative session.  After seeing several wins during the 2021 legislative session as well as some missed opportunities, we are hopeful and excited to continue advocating for effective policy and budget priorities in 2022.  We released our 2022 policy and [...]

Kentucky Oral Health Coalition members and oral health stakeholders from across the state convened virtually and in-person for the 2021 Kentucky Oral Health Coalition annual meeting on Friday, December 17. We kicked off the meeting with a welcome from Mahak Kalra, Chief Policy and Advocacy Director at Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA). The meeting featured an outstanding national speaker, Dr. Carlos S. Smith, DDS, MDiv, FACD - Associate Professor of Dental Public Health and Policy, Director [...]

Halloween decorations, costumes, and orange everything have all but disappeared. Suddenly winter holiday decorations are everywhere! What happened to Thanksgiving, an opportune time to reflect and acknowledge gratitude? Kentucky Oral Health Coalition has so much to be thankful for this year, most of all YOU, our members, partners, and oral health advocates. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, let’s acknowledge what we are thankful for and take a moment to recognize the collaborative effort necessary [...]

Kentucky will be strongest when all children have their best chance to thrive. The 2021 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book, recently released by Kentucky Youth Advocates, 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 [...]

It’s open enrollment season, and kynect is back to help Kentuckians find affordable healthcare plans! Kynect is Kentucky’s state-based healthcare and family support marketplace, where Kentuckians can browse for affordable health insurance plans and apply for family support programs, such as child care, health care, and food assistance. Medicaid and the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) provide free or low-cost health coverage to low-income Kentucky families, pregnant women, and children in foster care. This coverage provides [...]