Commonwealth Common Health aims to be a one-stop shop for citizens concerned about health in their community and throughout the Commonwealth. We began as a partnership of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and University of Kentucky’s School of Public Health and University Extension, designing a health “Issue Brief” to serve as a springboard for community discussions on what it would take to have a high performing health system that really works for Kentuckians. That issue brief and a facilitator’s guide are still available on this website.
KET, Kentucky League of Cities and the Family Resources and Youth Services Centers around the state offered support for the first effort. KET’s report on civic engagement in Kentucky for improved health, “Every Heart Beat Has a Voice” is available here or on the KET website. KET also has produced a brief video that makes a great conversation-starter for new community groups.
The first 1200 people who met, using the issue brief, identified six key values for a health system that works.
If you want to get involved, to make a difference for the health of your community and your state, this site provides links to lots of active groups who share your concern. The useful links page makes them all just a click away. Click on a group that interests you, and add your name to their mailing list. Or click on the state map to find a group near you. To receive Commonwealth Common Health updates, and notices when new information is added to this site, click sign me up.
Useful Links also includes tips for getting started with a group of your own.
Funding opportunities are also posted on this site, and updated regularly.
Kentucky can be healthier, and you can help!