Looking back on 25 years and what’s next on the journey to improving health in Kentucky

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky (FHKY). Over the past quarter century, we’ve worked alongside partners across the Commonwealth to improve health and expand opportunity so that every Kentuckian can live their healthiest life. While Kentucky continues to face serious health challenges, one thing has become increasingly clear: improving health takes sustained effort, strong partnerships, and a commitment to addressing the conditions that shape people’s lives. As we reflect on the past 25 years, we’re proud of the work that has been done—and focused on the work that still lies ahead.

How It Began

In 1993, insurance giants Anthem and Blue Cross/Blue Shield merged. Anthem, a for-profit company, took over all the resources of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which was a non-profit insurer. In the conversion, Anthem did not account for the value of charitable assets. In 1997, the state’s attorney general at the time, Ben Chandler, sued to recover those charitable assets at the request of concerned citizens. The case eventually settled, and in 1999 Anthem Inc. agreed to put $45 million into an independent, charitable foundation that would address the unmet health needs of Kentuckians.

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky was officially incorporated in 2001.

From the beginning, FHKY was built on the belief that philanthropy and policy can help spark change. By supporting community-led initiatives, advocacy, and research, FHKY has worked to bring attention to health challenges facing Kentuckians and to advance policies and programs that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Lasting Impacts – Powered by Partnerships

Throughout our history, FHKY has had the privilege of supporting efforts that have strengthened communities, expanded opportunities, and helped shape policies that improve health across the Commonwealth. The progress made over the past 25 years reflects not only the work of this organization but also the dedication of many organizations, advocates, and community leaders across Kentucky.

In the stories below, we highlight just a few examples of work that has made a difference and the role FHKY has played in these efforts:

FHKY as a Convener: Expanding Access Through Community Health Workers

A community health worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a link between health/social services and community members to improve access. In August 2014, the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky was a key partner in building statewide stakeholder support for a CHW certification program. That certification program was foundational for the 2022 passage of a bill allowing for reimbursement of CHW services from Medicaid.

FHKY as a Grantmaker: Investing in Kentucky’s Future

The Investing in Kentucky’s Future (IKF) initiative was a multi-year grant program that supported local coalitions to address complex challenges like childhood obesity and adverse childhood experiences. The initiative led to lasting impact at multiple levels. Communities adopted 38 local policies that improved access to healthy food, increased physical activity, and strengthened supports for children and families. Investments in built environments, such as parks, walking paths, and school improvements, created healthier spaces that continue to benefit communities today. Just as importantly, IKF strengthened local coalitions by expanding partnerships, increasing community engagement, and building the skills needed to sustain this work overtime. Read more about the results of the IKF initiative.

FHKY as Policy Advocate/Coalition Leader: Tobacco-Free Schools

Less than half of Kentucky school districts were 100% tobacco free before 2019. In some instances, there were designated smoking areas for staff and adults were allowed to smoke at outdoor sporting events. FHKY, the Kentucky School Boards Association, and the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Tomorrow (which FHKY served as the backbone organization of), advocated for improvements in state laws to protect young people from tobacco and nicotine-products. In 2019, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a law that encouraged all schools to adopt 100% tobacco-free policies.

FHKY, the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA), and Coalition for a Smoke-Free Tomorrow learned the cost of signage was a barrier to school districts adopting the 100 percent smoke-free policy. So, the organizations teamed up to offer free signage to schools and districts.

Today, Kentucky law requires all school districts be 100% tobacco-free.

These examples represent only a small snapshot of the work that has happened and is happening across Kentucky, but they reflect a common thread: when communities have the resources, partnerships, and support they need, meaningful change is possible.

Looking Ahead: Building Communities Where People Can Thrive

As we look toward the next 25 years, the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is committed to deepening our focus on the conditions that shape health.

That means continuing to support efforts that improve the social determinants of health—whether by expanding access to healthy food, improving housing stability, strengthening family economic security, or helping communities build the partnerships and infrastructures people need to thrive.

It also means continuing to broaden the conversation about health. Too often, health discussions focus narrowly on medical care or personal responsibility. But creating a healthier Kentucky requires a wider lens—one that recognizes that health is connected to education, economic opportunity, community safety, and the environments where people live their daily lives.

At FHKY, we know that healthier communities are possible when we work together across sectors, listen to communities, and support solutions that reflect local needs and strengths.

A Shared Future

None of the progress made over the past 25 years would have been possible without the many partners who have worked alongside us—community organizations, public health leaders, advocates, researchers, policymakers, and residents across Kentucky.

Their ideas, leadership, and commitment to improving life in the Commonwealth continue to drive this work forward.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are grateful for everyone who has helped shape our journey. And we are energized by the work still ahead.