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

• First Lady Honors Volunteer Awards Winners
  Friday, May 09, 2008
• Help Youth Thrive in the Community
  Thursday, May 08, 2008
  Health and Family Services Deputy Secretary Steve Nunn and advocates from around the state today honored National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day during a news conference at Covington Holmes High School.
• Kentucky AmeriCorps Members Promote Service during AmeriCorps Week
  Wednesday, May 07, 2008
• First Steps to Update Data and Billing System
  Tuesday, May 06, 2008
  The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) announced today that a contract has been awarded to reshape First Steps’ current form-based information and billing system to a real-time, Web-based data management, recordkeeping and claims processing system.
• Celebrate Older Americans Month
  Tuesday, May 06, 2008
  May is Older Americans Month, a time when the spotlight is on the nation’s aging population – a population that includes millions of baby boomers who are preparing to reach retirement age in 2011.
• CHFS May Monthly Meetings
  Monday, May 05, 2008
  Open meetings for agencies within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for May.
• Cabinet for Health and Family Services Actively Seeking Reinstatement of Oakwood as Medicaid Provider
  Thursday, May 01, 2008
  FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 1, 2008) The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is aggressively pursuing recertification and federal funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Bluegrass Communities at Oakwood in Somerset.
• Kentucky Takes Steps to Fight Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  Tuesday, April 29, 2008
  In recognition of May as Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) and Kentucky State University (KSU) are teaming up for an osteoporosis and arthritis event on May 7 at the Franklin County Extension Office. The event will feature coupons for ice cream, other refreshments and health education materials to celebrate the observance, which was officially proclaimed by Gov. Steve Beshear.
• May is National Physical Fitness Month
  Monday, April 28, 2008
  With summer around the corner, May is the perfect time for Kentuckians to adopt a more active lifestyle. As part of National Physical Fitness Month, Get Healthy Kentucky is encouraging all residents of the commonwealth to take the Governor’s Challenge to become more physically fit – an important step in maintaining good health.
• Reception Spotlights Child Abuse Prevention Efforts
  Thursday, April 24, 2008
  The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) sponsored a reception tonight to spotlight the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
• CMS Rules in Oakwood Appeal
  Tuesday, April 22, 2008
  The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially notified the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) that an administrative law judge ruled that CMS had the authority to terminate Oakwood’s participation in the federal Medicaid program in September 2005.
• Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program Receives Grant to Help Medicare Recipients
  Tuesday, April 15, 2008
  Kentucky’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) has been awarded additional funding by the federal government to help Medicare beneficiaries in Kentucky get more information about health care choices. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced it will give $702,460 to Kentucky’s SHIP program as part of the nearly $36 million being distributed to SHIPs during the most recent round of funding.
• HIV/AIDS Youth Conference Set
  Friday, April 11, 2008
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health’s (DPH) eighth annual African-American and Hispanic/Latino Youth Conference on HIV/AIDS is set for Saturday, April 26, at the University of Kentucky (UK) Student Center, 200 Avenue of Champions, Lexington. HIV/AIDS has disproportionately affected the African-American and Hispanic/Latino youth communities, accounting for a high percentage of the total diagnosed cases despite their relatively small populations in the United States. Statistics also show a disproportionate impact in Kentucky.
• April Recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month; Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is the law
  Thursday, April 10, 2008
  April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the state agency responsible for child protective services is reminding Kentuckians that reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is the law. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) offers a statewide, toll-free hot line – 1-800 752-6200 – that citizens can call to make a report.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Encourages Kentuckians to Make Advance Health Care Wishes Known
  Thursday, April 10, 2008
• Flooding Creates Home Safety Concerns
  Thursday, April 10, 2008
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has issued home safety guidelines to aid Kentuckians left with water damage in their homes due to large amounts of water run-off and flooding throughout the state. One of the biggest public health concerns linked to water damage in the home is mold, fungi that can be found indoors and out. Molds grow best in warm, damp and humid conditions and spread by making spores.
• Supplement Recall Raises Concerns in Kentucky
  Wednesday, April 09, 2008
  Following a federal recall of two dietary supplements, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has issued a health advisory for consumers who may have ingested the products and could be at risk for illness.
• Governor Beshear Proclaims Public Health Week in Kentucky
  Wednesday, April 09, 2008
  Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear today proclaimed the week of April 21 Public Health Week in the state. The observation aims to draw attention to important public health issues and acknowledge the contribution public health has made to the people of the commonwealth.
• Open Meetings Schedule April 2008
  Monday, March 31, 2008
  Open meetings schedule for April 2008 for agencies within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
• Ensuring quality child care is a team effort
  Wednesday, March 26, 2008
• Take Part in American Diabetes Alert
  Friday, March 14, 2008
  Knowing if you’re at risk for diabetes is important for the prevention of one of Kentucky’s deadliest diseases. Yet many people don’t take time to learn if they are likely to develop diabetes. To address the burden of this disease, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) are urging Kentuckians to evaluate their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by taking part in the annual American Diabetes Alert Day on March 25.
• Help Fight Breast Cancer
  Thursday, March 13, 2008
  In the rush to beat the tax season deadline, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) urges residents of the commonwealth not to forget an important option to help fight breast cancer. A tax check-off option allows taxpayers to designate all or a portion of individual state income tax refunds to the Kentucky Breast Cancer Research and Education Trust Fund.
• License Plate Promotes Adoption Awareness; 900 commitments needed for fundraising effort
  Monday, March 10, 2008
  The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is promoting the sale of specialized adoption awareness license plates. The license plates were designed by CHFS staff and For Jamie’s Sake, a nonprofit adoption advocacy group based in Ashland. At least 900 commitments are needed by Feb. 1, 2009, to start production.
• Help Your Community Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke
  Monday, March 10, 2008
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) and the Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force are teaming up to address two of the most serious health concerns in the commonwealth – heart disease and stroke.
• Governor proclaims March Sexual Assault Awareness Month; Innovative programs honored at kick-off event
  Friday, March 07, 2008
  Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear proclaimed March Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the commonwealth at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda Feb. 28.
• Lactation Consultants Promote Breastfeeding Awareness
  Wednesday, March 05, 2008
  To promote the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies today has been set aside as International Board Certified Lactation (IBCLC) Day, sponsored by the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA). The theme for this year’s observation is “Quality Breastfeeding Care: IBCLC in Action.”
• Widespread Flu Activity Continues Across Kentucky
  Tuesday, March 04, 2008
  Kentucky’s influenza (flu) activity continues to be classified as “widespread” for the fifth consecutive week, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) announced today.
• Health and Family Services March 2008 Open Meeting Schedule
  Friday, February 29, 2008
  The following meetings are scheduled for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in March.
• Prevent Colon Cancer – Get Screened
  Wednesday, February 27, 2008
  If you are 50 years old or older, it’s time to be screened for colon cancer. That’s the message the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is sending Kentuckians in March as part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
• Kentucky Medicaid Receives Federal Approval for New Waiver
  Tuesday, February 26, 2008
  Kentucky's Medicaid program has received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to start a new waiver program to better serve individuals with acquired brain injuries in community settings.
• Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to Study School Absenteeism
  Tuesday, February 26, 2008
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH), the Whitley County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are interested in learning more about the impact of recent illness-related school closings on the families and communities involved.
• Family preservation efforts keep families together; In-home services keep children out of foster care, help get parents assistance
  Tuesday, February 26, 2008
  A state program aimed at keeping children and families safely together helped keep hundreds of children out of foster care, according to a recent study. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) announced the evaluation study for the Department for Community Based Services’ Family Preservation Program (FPP).
• Cabinet for Health and Family Services Names General Counsel
  Monday, February 25, 2008
  Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Janie Miller announced today that Kerry B. Harvey, an attorney from Benton, Ky., has been named as the cabinet’s general counsel.
• Department for Public Health Sponsors Essay Contest to Raise Awareness of HIV/AIDS
  Monday, February 25, 2008
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is sponsoring an essay contest challenging Kentucky teenagers to learn more about HIV/AIDS and the impact the disease has on their generation.
• New Federal Report Provides Snapshot of Kentucky's Public Health Preparedness
  Thursday, February 21, 2008
  Kentucky's successes in the area of public health preparedness were highlighted in the first national report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlining effective measures developed since 2001 by all states.
• Kentucky Department for Public Health Responds to National Beef Recall
  Tuesday, February 19, 2008
  The Food Safety Branch – a part of the Department for Public Health’s Public Health Protection and Safety Division – has issued an advisory regarding the nationwide recall of beef.
• Safe Infants Law allows safe surrender of newborns; Parents can leave baby with personnel at ‘safe places’
  Wednesday, February 13, 2008
  A state law that allows parents to safely surrender their newborns gives hope to men and women concerned about becoming parents. The Safe Infants Act became effective in April 2002 and allows parents or someone acting on their behalf to anonymously place infants they cannot care for at selected “safe places.”
• Power Outages Create Food Safety Concerns
  Thursday, February 07, 2008
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has issued several food safety guidelines to aid Kentuckians left without electricity after a series of powerful storms and tornadoes swept through the state early Wednesday morning.
• State's Flu Activity Now Classified as Widespread
  Thursday, February 07, 2008
  Kentucky’s influenza (flu) activity has been classified as “widespread,” the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) announced today.
• Department for Public Health Promotes National Black HIV/AIDS Day
  Wednesday, February 06, 2008
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) encourages Kentuckians to take part in National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Feb. 7.
• ‘Diabetes Day at the Capitol’ Set for February 21
  Tuesday, February 05, 2008
  Kentucky’s diabetes experts, educators and advocates are taking their concerns to the Capitol to share information and encourage better prevention and awareness of one of the state’s biggest health concerns.
• Public Health Works to Improve Safety of Tanning Beds and Booths
  Monday, February 04, 2008
  With events like spring break and prom just a few months away, many young people start to prepare by hitting the tanning bed.
• February Open Meetings Schedule (Updated)
  Friday, February 01, 2008
  The open meetings schedule for agencies within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) for February 2008.
• ‘Go Red’ for Kentucky Women
  Wednesday, January 30, 2008
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is encouraging all Kentuckians to “Go Red” on Friday to show support for National Wear Red Day, an observance created to highlight the dangers of heart disease among women.
• Public invited to summit on racial disproportionality in child welfare system; Paducah meeting is part of 3-year-old study
  Wednesday, January 30, 2008
  McCracken County residents are invited to a community summit this week to discuss racial disproportionality in the child welfare system. “Race, Community and Child Welfare Initiative: Addressing the Issue in McCracken County,” is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Robert Cherry Civic Center, 2701 Park Ave., Paducah.
• Families Can Talk to Experts at Louisville Adoption Fair; Free event Jan. 27 features almost 20 agencies
  Thursday, January 24, 2008
  Families can learn more about adoption this month at the 2008 Louisville Adoption Fair. The free event is scheduled for 1- 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Holiday Inn Louisville-Downtown, 120 W. Broadway and is sponsored by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), WLKY Wednesday’s Child and local adoption agencies.
• Radon Awareness Should Last Year-Round
  Thursday, January 24, 2008
  The Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ radon program and other agencies are urging Kentuckians to learn more about the dangers of radon, particularly in the home, during Radon Action Month in January.
• Public invited to summit on racial disproportionality in child welfare system; Louisville meeting is part of 3-year-old study
  Wednesday, January 23, 2008
  Jefferson County residents are invited to discuss racial disproportionality in the child welfare system at a summit this week. “Race, Community and Child Welfare Initiative: Addressing the Crisis in Jefferson County,” is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Metro United Way, 334 E. Broadway. The meeting is sponsored by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ (CHFS) Department for Community Based Services (DCBS).
• National Birth Defects Prevention Network Calls Attention to Infections and Pregnancy
  Thursday, January 17, 2008
  The Kentucky Birth Surveillance Registry (KBSR) is joining the National Birth Defects Prevention Network to share the message that a mother’s health before, during and after pregnancy is an important foundation to having a healthy baby. “Preventing Infections in Pregnancy” is the theme of National Birth Defects Prevention Month during January 2008.
• Nominations sought for governor's volunteer awards; Nomination deadline Feb. 18
  Wednesday, January 16, 2008
  Nominations are now being accepted for the annual Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service
• Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Named; Patricia Wilson to Lead State’s Human Services Agency
  Monday, January 14, 2008
  Patricia R. Wilson has been named commissioner of the state’s human services agency. Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) Secretary Janie Miller today announced that Wilson will lead the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), CHFS’ largest agency.
• Number of Kentucky Youths Purchasing Tobacco Remains Low
  Thursday, January 10, 2008
  Kentucky vendors are making sure tobacco products aren’t falling into the hands of minors according to a recently released survey from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).
• Health and Family Services Cabinet Appointments Announced, Medicaid Commissioner and Inspector General Named
  Tuesday, January 08, 2008
  CHFS Secretary Janie Miller names Medicaid Commissioner and Inspector General.
• CHFS January Open Meetings Schedule
  Tuesday, January 08, 2008
  Open meetings scheduled for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services during the month of January.
• Adoption Blue Ribbon Panel Meeting Scheduled for Jan. 7; Group to discuss legislative proposals
  Friday, January 04, 2008
  The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Blue Ribbon Panel on Adoption is scheduled to meet next week to discuss prefiled legislation to be considered during the 2008 session of the General Assembly.
• Lieutenant Governor-elect to Speak at e-Health Summit
  Wednesday, December 05, 2007
  Statewide News Advisory
• Mental Health Commission to Meet
  Monday, December 03, 2007
  The Commission on Services and Supports for Individuals with Mental Retardation and Other Developmental Disabilities (House Bill 144 Commission) will meet.
• Twenty-three Louisville Families Celebrate Adoptions; 33 children become part of ‘forever families’ on ‘Adoption Day’
  Friday, November 30, 2007
  Twenty-three families grew today when the adoptions of 33 children were finalized as part of Louisville Adoption Day. A reception and celebration for the families followed the proceedings in Jefferson Family Court.
• Adoption Awareness Tree traveling Northern Kentucky; Project highlights need for permanent homes for foster children
  Friday, November 30, 2007
  A traveling outreach project is helping to raise awareness of the need for more foster and adoptive families in Northern Kentucky. Staff of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ (CHFS) Special Needs Adoption Program (SNAP) and community partners created the Adoption Awareness Tree. It features ornaments with pictures and biographies of some of the 188 children in the CHFS’ Northern Bluegrass Region who await adoptive homes.
• Media Advisory: Louisville Reception to Celebrate Adoptive Families; 33 adoptions to be finalized on Nov. 30
  Wednesday, November 28, 2007
  Twenty-three Louisville families will celebrate new beginnings on Nov. 30 when the adoptions of 33 children will be finalized on Jefferson County Adoption Day.
• Are You At Risk for Diabetes?
  Monday, November 26, 2007
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) encourages everyone to find out if you’re are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes – and do what it takes to prevent it.
• Give Yourself the Gift of Health this Holiday Season
  Wednesday, November 21, 2007
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is asking Kentuckians to get an influenza vaccination during National Influenza Vaccination Week Nov. 26-Dec. 2, in an attempt to decrease sickness and death during the annual flu season.
• Grants Help Fight Breast Cancer
  Tuesday, November 20, 2007
  Six Kentucky agencies promoting breast cancer awareness, screening and access to services are the first recipients of grants from the Kentucky Breast Cancer Research and Education Trust Fund.
• Kentucky receives $100,000 grant to help seniors access legal services
  Tuesday, November 20, 2007
  Older Kentuckians will have improved access to legal services thanks to a federal grant to the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
• Premature Births Can Be Prevented
  Tuesday, November 20, 2007
  In honor of Prematurity Awareness Month, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is highlighting its commitment to preventing preterm birth (babies born before 37 weeks of completed gestation) and improving birth outcomes throughout Kentucky. Kentucky has one of the highest rates of preterm birth – the nation’s leading cause of neonatal deaths.
• Talking Turkey
  Monday, November 19, 2007
  Food is a major part of the Thanksgiving celebration - and a time to keep in mind food safety guidelines issued by the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH). From preparing to serving to storing, there are many tips to remember to prevent food contamination and the spread of foodborne illness this holiday season.
• State's First Culture-Confirmed Influenza Case Reported
  Friday, November 16, 2007
  Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) officials are urging Kentuckians to get a flu vaccination after the first culture-confirmed case of influenza was reported by the State Public Health Laboratory this week. The case was in Fayette County.
• Celebrate Public Health Day
  Friday, November 16, 2007
  The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) and the Kentucky Public Health Association (KPHA) are giving a special tribute on National Public Health Day on Nov. 19 to the staff of Kentucky’s state and local health departments.
• Get Help Comparing, Enrolling in Medicare Prescription Drug Plans; SHIP counselors work with callers one-on-one to find the right plan
  Friday, November 16, 2007
  Annual open enrollment for Medicare prescription drug coverage is Nov. 15 - Dec. 31, and help and information about Medicare Part D plans and enrollment are just a phone call away.
• Food Stamp Program Gets $1.4 Million Bonus for Excellent Customer Service; Kentucky gets federal award for fourth consecutive year
  Thursday, November 15, 2007
  Federal officials in Frankfort today awarded Kentucky’s Food Stamp Program $1.4 million in federal bonus funds for its exemplary service delivery to service applicants. Roberto Salazar, administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, presented the check to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ (CHFS) Department for Community Based Services for the state’s performance during the 2006 federal fiscal year.
• e-Health Summit Set for Dec. 6-7
  Thursday, November 15, 2007
  Leaders in business, technology, health care, academia and government will gather Dec. 6-7 in Lexington for Kentucky’s second e-Health summit.