Report on Addressing Child Health Disparities in Kentucky with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In Lexington, Kentucky, the health of children is significantly influenced by their environment, with a family’s zip code impacting health outcomes as much as genetic factors. This report highlights the critical role of social determinants in child health and the efforts by the University of Kentucky and associated organizations to address these disparities in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Current State of Child Health in Kentucky

1. According to the 2024 Kentucky Kids Count survey by Kentucky Youth Advocates:
   • 20.6% of children live in poverty.
   • 44% come from low-income families.
2. These figures exceed the national average by 6 to 7%, affecting mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
3. Health disparities in Kentucky include high rates of heart disease, lung cancer, and diabetes, placing the state in the lower half nationally.

University of Kentucky’s Initiative: Advancing Kentucky Together Network

The University of Kentucky has launched the Advancing Kentucky Together Network, which aims to:

• Unite healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities.
• Improve clinical quality and access to healthcare.
• Enhance workforce education and community outreach.
• Focus on early intervention in pediatric populations to promote lifelong health.

This initiative aligns with SDG 3 by promoting good health and well-being and SDG 17 by fostering partnerships.

Addressing Upstream Factors Affecting Child Health

Dr. Bethany Hodge, Vice-Chair of Population Health & Strategy at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, emphasizes the importance of tackling upstream social determinants such as:

• Food insecurity
• Housing instability
• Economic barriers faced by families

These upstream factors lead to downstream health consequences like chronic illnesses. The approach reflects the SDG 10 goal of reducing inequalities by addressing root causes.

Challenges in Access to Care

1. Barriers include:
   • Long travel distances to specialized care centers.
   • Costs of accommodations and lost income for families.
2. UK HealthCare, as Kentucky’s top hospital, receives critical patients from Central and Eastern Kentucky.
3. The KCH Affiliate Network strengthens local hospitals by:
   • Providing education and training for local providers.
   • Empowering local facilities to deliver pediatric care.

Workforce and Capacity Building

Key points include:

• There is a scarcity of pediatric specialists nationwide, affecting local hospital capabilities.
• 75% of children in Kentucky live in counties with insufficient primary care providers.
• Collaborative partnerships across healthcare, public health, and community sectors are essential to address complex upstream issues.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

Dr. Hodge advocates for a community-focused approach that:

• Identifies and learns from successful local health initiatives.
• Applies reverse innovation by scaling effective community solutions statewide.
• Engages families, providers, and communities to tailor interventions to specific needs.

This strategy supports SDG 17 by promoting inclusive partnerships and SDG 3 by enhancing health outcomes.

Conclusion

Addressing child health disparities in Kentucky requires a multifaceted approach that integrates social determinants of health, expands access to care, and fosters strong partnerships among healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities. The University of Kentucky’s Advancing Kentucky Together Network exemplifies efforts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals to build a healthier, more equitable future for all children in the state.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article highlights that 20.6% of children live in poverty and 44% come from low-income families in Kentucky, emphasizing economic insecurity’s impact on child health.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The focus on child health disparities, access to healthcare, and chronic illnesses such as heart disease, lung cancer, and diabetes directly relate to this goal.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article mentions workforce education and training opportunities for healthcare providers, which ties into improving education quality.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing health disparities and inequities in pediatric populations and geographic disparities in life expectancy connects to reducing inequalities.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article discusses collaborations between healthcare providers, policymakers, communities, and the state university to improve health outcomes.

2. Specific Targets Identified Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 1 – Target 1.2: Reduce poverty in all its dimensions, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
2. SDG 3 – Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective medicines and vaccines for all.
3. SDG 3 – Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
4. SDG 4 – Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
5. SDG 10 – Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, or economic status.
6. SDG 17 – Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Child Poverty Rate: The article cites 20.6% of children living in poverty, which can be tracked to measure progress on SDG 1.2.
• Access to Healthcare Services: Indicators such as the availability of pediatric specialists, number of primary care providers per county, and access barriers (e.g., travel distance, costs) relate to SDG 3.8.
• Health Disparities Data: Prevalence rates of heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes, and mental health status among children can serve as indicators for SDG 3.4.
• Workforce Education and Training Metrics: Number of healthcare providers trained through affiliate networks and education programs supports SDG 4.3.
• Life Expectancy Variations by Zip Code: Measuring differences in life expectancy across regions addresses SDG 10.2.
• Partnerships and Collaborative Initiatives: Number and effectiveness of partnerships like the Advancing Kentucky Together Network and KCH Affiliate Network relate to SDG 17.17.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: uknow.uky.edu