Kentucky.gov

Below is a list of all current press releases.  To view the full text, click on the press release title.

• State Launches New Child Support Website to Enhance Customer Service
  Thursday, May 17, 2012
  FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 17, 2012) – The Kentucky Child Support Enforcement Program (CSE) has launched a new customer service website to better assist the families it serves.
• Join Public Health for Women’s Health Walk
  Wednesday, May 16, 2012
• Kentucky continues planning for state health benefit exchange
  Wednesday, May 16, 2012
  FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 3, 2012)—Governor Steve Beshear today outlined the state’s ongoing efforts to prepare for the possible implementation of key provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). The case regarding the validity of the ACA remains pending before the United States Supreme Court, and a decision is anticipated in late June. If upheld, the state has only through the end of this year to demonstrate its readiness to run a health insurance exchange, or the responsibility will default to the federal government. Several interest groups representing employers, health care advocates, and citizens, including the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Voices for Health, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield have expressed that the Commonwealth should not allow the federal government to operate the exchange for Kentucky.
• April is National Minority Health Month
  Monday, April 16, 2012
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Health Equity is working to promote National Minority Health Month during April. This year’s theme, “Health Equity Can’t Wait. Act Now in Your CommUNITY!” is a call to action to reduce health disparities among various minorities across the state.
• April is Child Abuse Awareness Month; Report suspected abuse and neglect to (877) KYSAFE1
  Wednesday, April 11, 2012
  April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and Gov. Steve Beshear and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) are reminding citizens that reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is the law.
• Madison County Event Recognizes Children in Need; Event marks Child Abuse Prevention Month
  Monday, April 09, 2012
  Richmond-area residents are invited to an event this week to recognize children in need as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Madison County Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office, part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Madison County Family Resource Centers, are sponsoring an informational event at the Madison County Courthouse, 101 W. Main St., from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 13.
• Focus on Public Health
  Monday, April 02, 2012
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is working to promote Public Health Week, an annual observance that focuses on a critical public health issue to raise awareness and help people live longer, healthier lives.
• March Marks 50th Anniversary for State’s Radiation Health Program
  Friday, March 30, 2012
  Fifty years ago, Kentucky took a bold step in the effort to regulate the management, storage and disposal of nuclear waste in the Commonwealth, becoming the first state to sign an agreement with the Atomic Energy Commission, now the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Department for Public Health Announces First Trainings in Pediatric Dentistry
  Wednesday, March 28, 2012
  FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 28, 2012) As part of Governor Steve Beshear’s Healthy Smiles Kentucky initiative, the Department for Public Health (DPH) will offer free continuing education courses on pediatric dental techniques through the Access for Babies and Children to Dentistry (ABCD) program.
• Volunteerism and Service Commission Elects New Leadership; Daron Jordan of Madisonville elected chairman, DeAnna Brangers of Louisville is vice chairwoman
  Tuesday, March 27, 2012
  The Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS) recently elected Daron Jordan as commission chairman and DeAnna Brangers as vice chairwoman. KCCVS is part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Members serve faith-based and nonprofit organizations to meet critical educational, environmental and safety needs. KCCVS also administers Kentucky’s AmeriCorps national service programs.
• Application Period for Disaster Food Benefits Extended for Eight Counties; New deadline is Wednesday, March 28
  Friday, March 23, 2012
  The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is extending the application period for Kentuckians living and working in eight counties that were affected by recent tornadoes and severe weather to apply for federal disaster food benefits. Kentuckians living or working in Johnson, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Pendleton and Wolfe counties who were affected by the March 2, storms and tornadoes will have until Wednesday, March 28, to apply for the disaster benefits.
• Food Benefits Still Available for Residents of 21 Counties Affected by Storms; Application deadline for most counties is Friday, March 23
  Thursday, March 22, 2012
  The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) reminds Kentuckians living and working in areas affected by recent tornadoes and severe weather that they may still apply for federal disaster food benefits this week. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), is providing resources to purchase food for residents of 21 counties that are part of a federal disaster declaration from the February 29 and March 2 storms. People who work in these counties and have lost income may also apply.
• March 18-24 is National Poison Prevention Week
  Tuesday, March 20, 2012
  FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 20, 2012) – This week, which marks the 50th anniversary of National Poison Prevention Week, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is highlighting the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them.
• Kentucky Celebrates Environmental Health Staff
  Monday, March 19, 2012
  FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 19, 2012) - Governor Steve Beshear has proclaimed March 19-23, 2012, Environmental Health Professionals Week in honor of the numerous registered sanitarians working across the state to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their fellow Kentuckians.
• State’s Human Services Program Reaccredited; Department again meets Council on Accreditation’s national best practice standards
  Monday, March 19, 2012
  The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) – the state’s human services agency – has been reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). COA is an international, independent, not-for-profit, child- and family-service and behavioral health care accrediting organization. COA officials made the announcement to CHFS in a letter last week. The reaccreditation means that DCBS’ child and adult protective services and foster care and adoption programs meet the highest national standards and deliver the best quality services to the community.
• Residents of Five Additional Counties Affected by Storms Can Get Food Benefits; Households in Grayson, Larue, Ohio, Russell and Trimble may also be eligible for replacement assistance or one-time aid
  Monday, March 19, 2012
  Kentuckians living and working in areas affected by recent tornadoes and severe weather may apply for federal disaster food benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), is providing resources to purchase food for residents of 21 counties that are part of a federal disaster declaration from the February 29 and March 2 storms. People who work in these counties and have lost income may also apply. SNAP is formerly known as food stamps. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department of Community Based Services administers the program in all 120 Kentucky counties.
• Kentucky Department for Public Health Immunization Program Honored by CDC
  Friday, March 16, 2012
  FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2012)— The Department for Public Health’s (DPH) Immunization Program was recognized for high immunization coverage levels for a childhood vaccination series by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the national 2012 Immunization Program Managers Meeting.
• Residents of 16 Counties Affected by Storms Can Get Food Benefits; Households may be eligible for replacement assistance or one-time aid; Additional counties may be added
  Thursday, March 15, 2012
  Kentuckians living and working in areas affected by recent tornadoes and severe weather may apply for federal disaster food benefits March 16 through March 23. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), is providing resources to purchase food for residents of 16 counties that are part of a federal disaster declaration from the March 2 storms. People who work in these counties and have lost income may also apply.
• State Health Department Issues Health, Safety Guidelines for Post Storm Clean-Up
  Wednesday, March 07, 2012
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health is reminding Kentuckians about guidelines for safety during post storm clean-up regarding tetanus, mold cleanup and food safety. The guidelines come after Friday’s severe storms and tornadoes that caused widespread damage, injuries and loss of life.
• Louisville Selected as ‘HeartSafe Community’
  Wednesday, March 07, 2012
  The Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) announced today that Louisville has become the state’s first metropolitan area to earn the designation “HeartSafe Community,” an honor set aside for communities that have met criteria to better respond to cardiac arrests.
• Medicaid Members Can Receive Replacement Medications in Aftermath of Storms
  Monday, March 05, 2012
  FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 5, 2012) – Kentuckians displaced by storms who receive healthcare benefits through Medicaid can receive up to a 30-day supply of needed medicines from their pharmacy, the Department for Medicaid Services announced today. Co-pays for these maintenance prescriptions will also be waived.
• March 24 Is World TB Day
  Friday, March 02, 2012
  As part of its ongoing work to educate the public about tuberculosis (TB) and prevent the spread of the disease, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is reminding the state that March 24, 2012 is World TB Day.
• March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
  Thursday, March 01, 2012
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH), along with the Kentucky Cancer Program at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, is helping to promote “Dress in Blue Day” by asking Kentuckians to wear blue Friday, March 2 to promote colon cancer screening.
• Gov. Beshear Proclaims March Sexual Assault Awareness Month; Ceremony spotlights prevention efforts
  Thursday, March 01, 2012
  The prevention and advocacy efforts of several groups and individuals were highlighted today as part of the kickoff of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Capitol Rotunda event was cosponsored by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP) and the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. Governor Steve Beshear has signed a proclamation declaring March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Kentucky.
• Health Grants Awarded to 41 High Schools
  Friday, February 17, 2012
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) and its partners have selected 41 high schools to receive grants to develop or improve the nutritional, physical activity or tobacco prevention policies at their schools. The $500 grants are part of the Students Taking Charge program offered by Kentucky Action for Healthy Kids (KYAFHK).
• Kentucky Birthing Hospitals Receive Valuable Kangaroo Care Training
  Thursday, February 09, 2012
  The Kentucky Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and the University of Louisville (UofL) Hospital Center for Women and Infants have reached an important milestone in helping to improve the state’s breastfeeding rates, training 100 percent of Kentucky’s birthing hospitals in “Kangaroo Care” practices.
• Nominations Sought for Governor’s Volunteer Awards; Deadline is Feb. 15
  Thursday, February 02, 2012
  It’s time to honor those groups and individuals who have served their fellow Kentuckians in an exceptional manner during the past year. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 Governor’s Awards for Volunteerism and Service. Find nomination forms, category criteria and more information online at the KCCVS website, http://chfs.ky.gov/dfrcvs/kccvs/govawards/.
• Kentucky Receives $600,000 Grant to Connect Behavioral Health, Primary Care Providers
  Tuesday, January 31, 2012
  The Governor’s Office of Electronic Health Information (GOEHI) was recently awarded a $600,000 federal grant to improve health services for individuals with mental health or substance abuse conditions, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) announced today. Specifically, the grant will be used for the development of infrastructure to support the electronic exchange of health information among patients’ health care providers and the state’s community mental health centers.
• Cooler Temperatures Increase the Risk for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  Wednesday, January 11, 2012
  As outdoor winter temperatures drop and the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning increases, Kentuckians are urged to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to improper use of heating or cooking devices.
• It’s Time for New Year’s Resolutions
  Thursday, December 29, 2011
  As 2012 approaches, so does the human resolve to make life changes, such as losing weight, increasing exercise – or quitting smoking and tobacco products.
• Secondhand Smoke Is 100 Percent Unsafe, 100 Percent of the Time
  Wednesday, December 21, 2011
  Secondhand cigarette smoke is unsafe and is linked to numerous forms of illness and disease, including asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), heart disease and lung cancer. That’s why the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is launching its new “Unsafe Campaign” to educate Kentuckians about the dangers of secondhand tobacco smoke and its potential effect on family members, friends, co-workers and passersby. The campaign is entirely federally funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant dollars.
• Reduce Stress to Prevent Child Abuse During Holidays; Report suspected abuse to (877) KYSAFE1
  Friday, December 16, 2011
  Stress can increase during the holidays, even in the most loving of families. And that can put some children at risk for abuse. With children home from school, holiday travel and seasonal shopping and associated expenses, parents can get frazzled more easily than usual. What is typically a fun and joyful time for children can become devastating when parents or caregivers cope by becoming abusive.
• KASPER Advisory Council Holds First Meeting
  Friday, December 02, 2011
  FRANKFORT, KY (Dec. 2, 2011) - The KASPER Advisory Council, an 11-member board of professionals recently appointed by Governor Steve Beshear, held its first meeting today to look at ways to help authorized agencies identify suspicious drug prescribing habits by medical professionals.
• Get Vaccinated Against the Flu during National Influenza Vaccination Week
  Friday, December 02, 2011
  State public health officials are encouraging Kentuckians to get a flu vaccination during National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 4-10, to reduce the spread of illness this holiday season.
• KASPER Advisory Meeting
  Wednesday, November 30, 2011
  KASPER Advisory Council to Meet
• CHFS works with Birthing Hospitals to Encourage Participation in New Breastfeeding Training
  Wednesday, November 30, 2011
  The Kentucky Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and the University of Louisville (UofL) Hospital Center for Women and Infants are working with Kentucky hospitals to initiate or improve “Kangaroo Care” practices, which seek to improve breastfeeding rates in newborn infants by promoting skin-to-skin contact with the mother in the hours immediately after birth and throughout the hospital stay.
• World AIDS Day is Dec. 1
  Tuesday, November 29, 2011
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is working to promote World AIDS Day Dec. 1, providing a chance for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV.