KET program to feature citizens who work in three programs to improve the health of Kentucky children
Featured will be guest from HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Development Services), a home-visitation program for new and expectant parents; Better Bites, of
Lexington, whose goal is to transform the snacking culture to reduce
childhood obesity; and Doctors and Lawyers for Kids, a Louisville group
that helps families with legal issues, such as housing, custody and
immigration, that may impact children’s health.
HANDS is a well-regarded, statewide program that works toward healthy pregnancies and births, healthy child growth and development, safe homes and self-sufficient families. Referred participants begin the process with a home visit that determines the needs and concerns a family might have about pregnancy or a baby’s first year. Families then receive information and learn about resources available in the community to help them and based on the needs of the family, some will receive continued home visits. This program is available not only to first-time Kentucky moms and/or dads, but also to expectant parents. The premise of the program is that early family intervention improves the well-being of the entire community.