February 4, 2021 Issue 109
The Pillars of Advocacy
I once heard an Association describe the value their organization places on advocacy by saying, “Advocacy is the pillar. The rest are just posts.”

While the KMA doesn’t “rank” its activities as being more valuable than others, I must admit that advocacy would certainly make a bold case for itself.

Advocacy is, and always has been, at the core of the Association’s mission. KMA provides a voice for physicians in Frankfort, supporting legislation that makes the Commonwealth a better place for doctors and the patients they serve, while protecting against policies that could harm us.
COVID-19 Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Disorder Information from the Kentucky Department for Public Health
During the COVID-19 pandemic we have documented 24 cases of COVID-19 multisystem inflammatory disorder in children (MIS-C) in Kentucky residents, and several more in out-of-state residents. No deaths have been documented, thankfully, but we want to remain vigilant in detecting potential new cases.

In pursuit if this, please find attached several documents that should be useful for this purpose.

1) Two informational flyers with the basic information about how to identify potential MIS-C cases. These documents are identical other than the pictures at the top – one targets infants and the other older children. MIS-C is defined as < 21 years old.



KPPAC Hosts “A Conversation with Sen. Ralph Alvarado, M.D.”
Last week, physicians from across the state participated in “A Conversation with Ralph Alvarado, M.D.” hosted by the Kentucky Physicians Political Action Committee (KPPAC). Sen. Alvarado walked participants through the current issues facing the General Assembly and his predictions regarding a number of important pieces of legislation. Sen. Alvarado also provided tips for engaging with senators and representatives and discussing important issues.

The event also was helpful in raising much needed funds for KPPAC, which is funded solely through contributions from Kentucky physicians and supports pro-medicine candidates. COVID has impacted every facet of our society, including the ability to fundraise for important causes. KPPAC is no exception. Therefore, proceeds from this event will prove critical in helping to replenish KPPAC funds before the next election cycle so that physicians can have an impact on the makeup of the Kentucky General Assembly.
KMA Advocacy in Action Month Begins
On Monday evening, KMA hosted the kickoff event and Member Briefing for its virtual Advocacy in Action Month, being held throughout February. Physicians from across the state were briefed on KMA’s priority issues and the landscape of the remaining days of the session. A recording of the event is available online here.

Advocacy in Action Month continues with the weekly “Talk Tuesday” events, which encourage KMA members to reach out to their senators and representatives each Tuesday in support of KMA priority issues. Members are asked to mark their calendars for the first Talk Tuesday on Feb. 9, although members are encouraged to reach out at any time during the month that works for their schedule. Advocacy in Action Month will also include “KPPACtion Day” on Feb. 18, which will encourage physicians to participate in political advocacy by making a contribution to the Kentucky Physicians Political Action Committee (KPPAC).

The Advocacy in Action Month webpage, kyma.org/aiamonth, includes a number of resources for physicians, including issue papers, more information on KMA’s legislative priorities, tips for effective advocacy, legislator contact information, as well as a custom KMA Zoom background for use during Zoom meetings with policymakers.
KMA COVID-19 Ad on KET
KMA began airing a 15 second sponsorship ad on KET Feb. 1 through May during PBS NewsHour. The ad promotes KMA's provision of resources and information during the COVID-19 crisis to improve health outcomes and enhance healthcare quality.

Click here to see the ad.
KMA Mourns the Passing of Floyd G. Moore, M.D.

Floyd G. Poore, M.D., age 83, passed away on January 26, 2021, in Edgewood, Kentucky. Dr. Poore is survived by six children including Rep. Kimberly Moser, spouse of KMA President-Elect Neal Moser. According to his obituary, he co-founded Florence Medical Arts in 1963 and practiced medicine for 55 years, caring for countless patients. He delivered over 2,000 babies and mentored many future physicians.
Kentucky Hospital Association COVID-19 Dashboard

The latest update of the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) COVID-19 Dashboard is now available here. The dashboard is an effort to provide current information about hospitalizations and ICU bed usage rates due to the novel Coronavirus.
KMA IN THE NEWS
Opposition to 'conversion therapy' grows. Will Kentucky lawmakers ban it?

Kentucky bill to ease immunization standards for children, others alarms health advocates
MEMBER NEWS
Evers Elected to National Academy of Medicine

KMA member B. Mark Evers, M.D., director of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.
Ward Joins Baptist Health Paducah

KMA member Austin Ward, M.D., cardiovascular surgeon, has joined Baptist Health Paducah.
Don't know your user name and password? Click here.
9300 Shelbyville Road Suite 850
Louisville, Kentucky 40222
502.426.6200
Kentucky Health eNews is sponsored by:
The exclusively endorsed medical malpractice insurer of the KMA