Join us for updates on state and federal policies that impact the health & wellbeing of Kentuckians. Speakers will discuss how to advocate for a stronger safety net through public assistance programs designed to support thriving communities.

THIS SESSION WILL COVER:

• Important updates on the economy, Medicaid, KCHIP, SNAP, housing, transportation, child care, public health, behavioral health, and suicide prevention.
• New tools available to assist community members with meeting basic needs.
• Tips on being a more effective advocate in your community.

WHERE WILL WE BE THIS YEAR?

• May 14th: Frankfort
• June 18th: Pikeville
• July 16th: Williamsburg
• August 13th: Murray
• September 10th: Glasgow
• October 8th: Covington
• November 19th: Louisville

All registrations available at: https://tinyurl.com/THRIVINGCOMMUNITIES2024. Each event will begin 1PM Local Time. We recommend arriving 10 minutes early if you are able! 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Community leaders
• Public employees
• Nonprofit organizations
• Frontline service providers
• Outreach workers
• Educators
• Faith leaders
• Counselors
• Librarians
• Those who serve their community

CEUs AVAILABLE!

This will be a continuing education and/or professional development credit opportunity! During this community education series, we can provide CEU certificates for Certified Community Health Workers and social workers, and will be coordinating for self-reporting needs to support FRYSCKYs, lawyers/attorneys, Alcohol & Drug Counselors, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists, Pastoral Counselors, psychologists, art therapists and others.

AGENDA

1:00 PM Local Time - Welcome and Introductions

1:05 PM Local Time - Civic Engagement for a Healthy Community

Why Advocate? Why Me? 2024 Legislative Session Summary and Interim Session; Elections and Ballot Initiatives; Tools for Effective Advocacy; Education, Advocacy, and Lobbying
Dr. Sheila Schuster, Advocacy Action Network

1:35 PM Local Time - Economic Landscape

Jobs, Wages, and Household Expenses
Dustin Pugel, KyPolicy

1:45 PM Local Time - Strengthening Kentucky’s Community Safety Net

• Housing: Updating Housing Shortage Data, Impact of Legislation: HB5, HB18, HB100, No-Cost IDs, Future Advocacy Priorities
  Adrienne Bush, Housing and Homeless Coalition of Kentucky
• Hunger & Food: SNAP, WIC, Summer EBT
  Tyler Offerman, Kentucky Equal Justice Center
• Early Childhood Education 
  Cara Stewart, Kentucky Voices for Health
• Maternal & Child Health: Momnibus, Routine Childhood Immunizations
  Kelly Taulbee, Kentucky Voices for Health
  
• Behavioral Health: Increased Waiver Capacity, School Mental Health Services, Suicide Prevention
  Dr. Sheila Schuster, Advocacy Action Network
• Healthcare: Medicaid Updates; School Medicaid; Dental, Vision, and Hearing Services; No Surprises Act; Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
  Priscilla Easterling, Kentucky Voices for Health

3:35 PM Local Time - State Budget and Implications of Income Tax Reductions

Dustin Pugel, KyPolicy

3:45 PM Local Time - Q&A

3:55 PM Local Time - Closing & Evaluation