Kentucky: Round 1 - State Level Field Network Study of the Implementation of the Affordable Care Act

This report is part of a series of 21 state and regional studies examining the rollout of the ACA. The national network -- with 36 states and 61 researchers -- is led by the Rockefeller Institute of Government, the public policy research arm of the State University of New York, the Brookings Institution, and the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.Kentucky's health benefit exchange has thus far been among the nation's leaders in successful implementation, its sustainability will depend on political leadership, the ability of supporters to mount successful public relations and constituent campaigns, and ongoing fiscal support. All these elements will be hotly contested in the next year

PHSSR Findings on 21st Century Approaches to Communicable Disease

Communicable diseases still disable or kill millions worldwide despite centuries of public health progress. Twenty-first century public health services and systems researchers are testing innovative strategies to achieve goals that were once considered beyond reach. This month’s Frontiers in PHSSR includes two path-breaking examples: the use of advanced statistical modeling to provide a more actionable model for influenza epidemiology, and assessing the dissemination of customized videos to communicate the value of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to populations whose belief systems would otherwise lead them to reject it

How to Effectively Use Strategies Taught in Diversity Training Seminars: A Transformation of Students and Staff at Sodus Central School District.

Census data indicate the United States is one of the most diverse nations in the World, and nowhere is that diversity more evident than in our schools, colleges, and universities (Bedden, Futrell, and Gomez, 2003). African American, Latino, American Indian, and poor children in general continue to achieve below grade level, dropout in much greater numbers, and go to college in much lower proportion than their middle-class and European American peers (Jacobson, 2000). Jacobson also states, The disproportion between minority and White dropout rates suggests that the educational systems through which these students have passed have failed to address equitably the needs of all those they serve. In theory, if school districts begin to train their educators on diversity and how to educate a diverse population of students, perhaps the United States might see a rise in test scores and a decrease in dropout rates

Medicaid Policy Changes in Kentucky Under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005: Implementation Issues and Remaining Challenges

Describes the implementation and impact of 2006 reforms, including targeted benefit packages, increased cost sharing, soft service limits, rewarding healthy behaviors, premium assistance, and disease management. Outlines contributing factors and barriers