LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 26, 2016) – Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky today released an updated statewide directory of groups working to improve health in the commonwealth. The 2016 Kentucky Health Coalitions Directory includes 230 groups representing all 120 counties as well as statewide coalitions doing work to improve the health of Kentuckians.
“Our aim in keeping this directory updated is to raise awareness of efforts to improve health in local communities and across the state, foster collaboration among the coalitions, increase their capacity to make a difference, and celebrate their successes,” said Susan Zepeda, President and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. “These coalitions are largely local efforts involving neighbors and colleagues working on solutions to health issues where they live, work and raise their families.”
Whether the groups listed in the directory call themselves health coalitions, collectives, consortia, associations or networks, they are examples of people joining forces to improve health and health care in Kentucky. The groups have differing levels of organization and are pursuing varying goals. Some are increasing access to healthy food and physical activity; others are planning needed screenings and education for people at risk for serious health problems such as cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases; yet others are improving the health of their communities through smoke-free or complete-streets ordinances.
Coalitions were identified by consolidating lists of known coalitions, reaching out at meetings and events, reviewing news clippings on local efforts, requesting additional entries from partner agencies, and conducting a web-based survey. The directory is a living document, and the Foundation welcomes established coalitions to share updates and new coalitions to be added. Contact Rachelle Seger, [email protected].
The 2016 Kentucky Health Coalitions Directory can be found in PDF form on the Foundation’s website, here.
Since the Foundation opened its doors in 2001, it has invested nearly $25.5 million in health policy research, advocacy and pilot project grants across the commonwealth. Funded by an endowment, the mission of the Foundation is to address the unmet health care needs of Kentuckians by informing and influencing health policy, improving access to care, reducing health risks and disparities, and promoting health equity.
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