June 25, 2025 • 29 mins
This week on "Kentucky Focus w/Scott Fitzgerald", we shine a light on two hidden dangers that could impact the youngest in our care—and the businesses that support them. What if a simple oversight could become a life-or-death emergency? And what if a sweeping policy change quietly threatened the backbone of your local economy? These stories may not be on your radar—but they should be!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
And welcome to Kentucky Focus, where we dive into the
stores that shape our communities. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and Well,
this week, we're taking a look at two urgent issues
that deserve our full attention. First, one Pack a new
national movement urging childcare centers across the Commonwealth to get
serious about anaphylexic preparedness, food allergies on the rise and
(00:21):
surprise allergic reactions landing nearly one third of kids in
emergency situations. Experts like doctor Alice Hoyt are rallying providers,
parents and policymakers to take action. Now, am will shift
gears where a groundbreaking new study reveals an unexpected link
between Medicaid and small business stability. Turns out that one
in three Medicaid recipients are small business owners, employees, or
(00:43):
their family members. Pose cuts could threaten childcare, construction, restaurants, transportation,
and more. We'll hear from policy experts explaining what's at
stake for Kentucky's entrepreneurs.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
All this and more on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (01:15):
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Speaker 1 (02:45):
Today we're shining on the spotlight on something that could
save a child's life. Anna Flexus preparedness in early childcare settings.
Food allergies, of course, in young children are more common
than many realize, and a new national movement is urging
childcare centers across the country to step.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Up the readiness.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
Believe it or not, up to one third of severe
allergic reactions in schools and daycare centers happening kids with
no known analergy history. Joining us is doctor Alice Hoyt,
a board certified allergist and founder of the Hoyt Institute
of Food Allergy. She's a leading voice in the bush
for safer childcare environments through the Early Childhood Anaphylaxis Collaborative.
(03:23):
Doctor Hoyt, thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 7 (03:25):
Thank you for having me, Scott.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
Well, let's begin with the basics, doctor Hoyt.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
What is the Early Childhood Anaphylaxis Collaborative and what inspired
its creation?
Speaker 7 (03:34):
Absolutely, I'm really delighted to partner with Kaleo on the collaborative,
which is a group of amazing organizations who have been
working in the anaphylaxis preparedness space for a long time.
And the goal of the collaborative is to really support
early childcare centers to be better prepared for anaphylaxis. And
(03:55):
we're really working with early childcare professionals, with healthcare providers,
with families, with other stakeholders in this really important space
to help our vulnerable little kiddos in case they are
in a bad situation with an anaphylactic episode.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Right on, doctor Alis Hoyt is joining us a great conversation.
She's a board certified allergist and founder of the Hooint
Institute of Food Allergy and we're talking of chorus.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Doc. We hear about food realergies a lot.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
But for those who may not understand the severity, What
exactly is anaphylexis and how quickly can it turn life threatening?
Speaker 7 (04:29):
Absolutely so, anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. About five
to ten percent of kids actually have a potentially anaphylactic
food allergy, meaning if they eat a food like a
peanut or eggs, they can develop swelling, trouble breathing, vomiting,
drop in blood pressure, hives, and really in our young
(04:51):
kiddos where a symptom that I see kind of overlooked
sometimes is that first symptom of them really suddenly not
feeling well. You go a a kiddo who was really
happy and perky, and then suddenly they're not feeling well.
Then they might start vomiting, have trouble breathing. Ultimately, this
anaphylactic episode can be life threatening, which is why it's
(05:11):
so important that early childcare professionals know how to recognize
the reaction and then treat it with epinephrine.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
You know, doctor Alice Hoyd is with this.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
She's a certified bordologist, founder of the Hoyt Institute of
Food Allergy. Many reactions happening kids with no prior allergy diagnosis.
Why is this especially concerning for your early childcare childhood
care centers.
Speaker 7 (05:31):
Well, sometimes in your early childhood population are young kiddos.
They might be trying a food for a first time
at their childcare center, or they may have had it
once or twice before, did fine with it six months ago,
and then they have it again and they have a
severe reaction. And so it is in part because of
their young age, it's in part because maybe they haven't
had the foods before. But also a key factor to
(05:54):
being prepared in this population is that you have to
recognize that these kiddos can't vocalize all the time, like hey,
excuse me, I'm having a reaction. Sure, you have to
be really clued in. And these early childcare professionals who
are watching these kiddos are usually so clued into their kids,
which is why it's really exciting for me to partner
with KLEO doing this collaborative getting these resources out across
(06:18):
the country. It's amazing.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Can you explain what undesignated epinephrine is and why it's
a game change or in these childcare settings?
Speaker 7 (06:26):
Epinephrin is the treatment for anaphylaxis, and what undesignated epinephrin
is is pre doosed epinefrine, typically in the form of
a device that a childcare professional can administer to a
child having anaphylaxis, and so the epinephrin is not prescribed
to the child, it's actually prescribed to the center to
(06:47):
be used during that emergency to potentially save that child's life.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
You know, some schools stock EpiPens, but not all early
childcare centers do. What's the legal status right now across
different states? And how does LEDG like say, maybe Elijah's
Law factory.
Speaker 7 (07:03):
Right, So, most states already permit K through twelve schools
to stock at beneference. Some states even require it. Early
childcare centers are different though, and we don't have language
in every state code requiring or even in some cases
permitting early childcare centers to stock it. So it's really
important that initiatives like Elijah's Law, like other laws, so
(07:28):
many grassroots efforts to help early childcare centers be prepared
for allergy emergencies. That these are really really rising up
throughout our country really to encourage and support early childcare
centers to be prepared. And I'll tell you so many
of these professionals, early childcare professionals, they love on our
children all day. They want to be prepared. So we
(07:50):
are so excited to be here with all these resources
so that we can just say, here you go, let's
get you prepared for that emergency.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
That's such good news.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Doctor Alice Hoyt joining us again, and she's a board
certified allergist, founder of the hoy Institute of Food Allergy.
And along those lines, doctor Hoyt for childcare providers that
might be listening in what should a good anaphylaxis response
plan include, Well.
Speaker 7 (08:12):
First, I want to thank them for listening, and you know,
we're we're all here doing our jobs in part because
of those amazing professionals who are able to take care
of our children. And so really, for you to be
prepared for an allergy emergency, you want to have an
anaphilexis response plan at your center, and that really includes
two parts. One part is the knowledge part, really making
sure everybody in your center knows how to prevent, recognize,
(08:34):
and then respond to that emergency. And that second part
is that response. You want to practice that response plan,
and you want to have that life saving undesignated epinephrine
available to use promptly in case you do have a
child who's having an allergy emergency.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
Just a couple more questions for you, doctor Hoy. Great
conversation needed. As the father of a son who had
a severe penut allergy and a daughter who had a
shelfish energy, this is.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
Like we gone the EpiPen route.
Speaker 8 (09:01):
Get it.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Yeah, I get it, I exactly get I'm one hundred
percent relating to what you're throwing down here. So along
those lines dot for parents who are worried, especially those
with young children who haven't shown signs of food allergies,
why should they be asking their childcare providers.
Speaker 5 (09:15):
So that's a.
Speaker 7 (09:16):
Great question, and that's one reason I'm really excited about
this particular collaborative is because it's really trying to engage
early childcare centers to be prepared by giving them the resources.
So what a parent can do, whether you're a parent
of a child with a food allergy or your child
doesn't have a food allergy, is provide them the website
ECA Collaborative dot com where the childcare center can go,
(09:39):
where you as the parent can go, and you can
gain access to all these resources. And I'll tell you,
as a board certified allergist, as a pediatrician that it
is so important that any center, any school that's taking
care of our kids be prepared for any medical emergency.
And this type of collaborative that provides all of the
support and being prepared for anaphylaxis is going to help
(10:01):
with all of that, with just getting your center more
prepared for medical emergencies, but especially anaphal axis.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
Doctor Alice Hoyd, a Board certified allergist and founder of
the Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy, Doc, thank you so
much for your time. It is a topic that needs
by far more conversations running it as far as I'm concerned.
Speaker 7 (10:22):
Thank you so much, Doc, Thank you for having me, Scott.
Speaker 1 (10:25):
That was doctor Alice Hoyd from the Hoyt Institute of
Food Energy helping us understand the growing need for anaphylaxis
preparedness in early childhood settings. It's a reminder that food
allergies aren't just something to be aware of, there's something
we must be prepared for.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
If you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, feel free.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
To visit ECA Collaborative dot com. That's ECA Collaborative dot com.
There you'll find free tools, training and resources that.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
Could save a child's life.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
Thanks again to doctor Hoyd, and thank you all. We're
back after this On Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzker.
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Speaker 1 (13:02):
Well, today we're talking about a new report with serious
implications for small businesses, maybe even your own family. Proposal
in Congress could bring about the largest cuts to medicaid
in US history. A new study from Georgetown University's Center
for Children in Families, in partnership with the McCourt School
of Public Policy at Georgetown University, reveals something surprising. One
(13:22):
in three Medicaid recipients is either a small business owner
or an employee of one, or a family member here
to unpack what this couldn't mean for industries like construction,
John Care, restaurants, and beyondest Joan Alker. She is executive
director of the Center for Children in Families. John, thanks
for taking time to join us.
Speaker 14 (13:40):
Thanks Scott so much for having me.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Let's start with the big picture.
Speaker 1 (13:43):
What did your new study reveal about the connection between
medicaid and small businesses.
Speaker 14 (13:48):
Yeah, this I think is one of the first studies.
I don't recall seeing other studies that looked at the
relationship between medicaid and small businesses. So we of course
looked at folks who work at small businesusinesses, employees, small
business owners, self employed folks, but we also looked at
their children and other household members, and we found that
(14:09):
there's approximately eleven million children nationwide whose parents are self
employed to work for small businesses. So overall, medicate one
third of everybody enrolled in medicaid nationwide is connected to
a small business.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
John Alker's joining us. She's executive director of the Center
for Children in Families and Georgetown University. And we're talking,
of course about medicaid and its effects on small business owners. Joan,
why do you think this story has flown under the
radar for so long considering how many workers and business
owners are impacted.
Speaker 14 (14:40):
You know, it's a great question. There just hasn't been
any discussion that I've heard about the impact of these
Medicaid cuts on small businesses. They just seem to have
been forgotten in the debate. And you know, it makes
sense when you think about I mean, small businesses are
struggling to afford private health insurance even for their own employees,
(15:02):
but let alone their employees' children, which is much more expensive.
So you can see, particularly in states like Kentucky that
have expanded Medicaid to other adults under the Affordable Care Act,
that small business workers are really benefiting from that. And
this is helping folks who want to start small businesses
(15:23):
because they don't have to worry. I mean, a lot
of times when you start a small business, y'ur incomes
pretty low or it may be fluctuating. Certainly you can
feel good that your children, who are eligible at higher
levels are going to have health insurance through Medicaid. So
one of the industries we've looked at in the past
is the childcare industry. This is full of small businesses, right,
(15:45):
it's small operations. Childcare is very expensive. It's real hard
for parents to afford it. And in Kentucky about thirty
percent of childcare workers are covered by Medicaid. So that
those are the kinds of places that need in the
map doesn't add up for them because they can't keep
raising the cost of childcare to be able to provide
(16:06):
expensive health insurance benefits to their employees. So those are
the kinds of small businesses, and there are many more
that Medicaid is really supporting work and allowing families to work.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
John Alker's joining us great conversation. She is the executive
director of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University,
and we're talking about the cuts to Medicaid and its
effects on small business owners, especially right here in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky. And Joe in the study mentioned something
called one big Beautiful Bill. What is this legislation and
what could it mean for healthcare access?
Speaker 14 (16:39):
Yeah, so this is the major budget legislation that Congress
is moving forward right now to advance President Trump's agenda.
Passed the House by one vote right around Memorial Day,
and the Senate is working on this very actively and
lots of things in this bill. It's obviously advancing the
president's agenda in many ways, but unfortunately, the biggest set
(17:04):
of cuts that we see in the bill are directed
at Medicaid. This is surprising because voters of all parties
really don't want Congress to cut Medicaid. But here we are,
and this is why we're so concerned about the impact
on rural areas, on rural hospitals, and as you see
from this data, will clearly have a big impact on
(17:25):
small businesses.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
And critics often frame Medicaid is just a safety net program.
How does your research change or challenge that perception.
Speaker 14 (17:34):
Yeah, I think what folks you know, may not be
aware is that lots of the adults on Medicaid are working,
but they're working in the kinds of jobs that are
not providing health benefits. And small businesses are a great
example of that. These are not big, you know, fortune
five hundred companies that can afford to provide a rich
healthcare benefits package, especially for the workers' kids and family
(17:58):
members and spouses, where Medicaid is really an economic support
for families and for folks who want to work in
small businesses, perhaps start a small business or are self employed.
Medicaid is really vital to allowing them to do that
work and follow their passion.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
Joe Nuker joining us a great conversation about medicaid and
small business owners, especially right here in the Commonwealth. She
is the executive director of the Center for Children and
Families at Georgetown University. They're working in partnership with the
McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University to talk
about the effects that the cuts on Medicaid to small
business owners and Joan, what would you say to lawmakers
(18:37):
who may not fully understand the implications from their small
business constituents.
Speaker 14 (18:41):
Yeah, I would just say to your listeners, if you
don't want Congress to cut Medicaid, now is the time
to let them know of your thoughts about this, because
they represent you and this is not a popular idea,
so this timing here is great. I would really urge
listeners to do that, and certainly, I think you know, lawmakers,
(19:05):
there are lots of problems in our healthcare system and
the costs are too high, and that's what we'd like
them to address. But these proposals are not going to
do that. In fact, they're just going to make millions
of people uninsured who are now you know, not going
to be able to court healthcare at all because they're
not going to have health insurance.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
And what ripple effects could that have on these economies
in these communities, say here in our backyard in Kentucky.
Speaker 14 (19:27):
Yeah, I mean, first of all, Kentucky has a lot
of rural hospitals that are struggling, and those families in
rural communities actually are more reliant on Medicaid than in
urban areas. We've done other research on that, So just
going to have a devastating impact on rural communities and
rural hospitals and labor and delivery units for example, have
(19:48):
been disappearing. So the ability of moms and babies to thrive,
you know, just to give birth safely can be at
risk in these rural communities. But these customer are so large,
really going to leave no part of the state unscathed,
and that's something to worry about.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
Amazing conversation. Joan Alker joining us again. She's the executive
director for the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University.
And the effects medicaid will have, and of course it's
cuts to Medicaid is what we're talking about. And last
question for you, Joan, For our listeners who wanted to
have a little deeper where can they go and find
the full import and of course stay informed on what
they need to know.
Speaker 14 (20:26):
Sure, yes, come to our website. It's c c F
as in Frank dot Georgetown dot edu. So that's CCF
like Center for Children and Families dot Georgetown dot edu.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
Joan, great conversation. Could probably talk to you all day
about this. By day.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
I'll appreciate you taking time to help our folks here
in Kentucky. You don't make them aware of what's going on,
and now's the time to really take action. Like you said,
there's a lot of issues going on in our country
right now, but this one has a huge impact on
the folks that need it most.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
I appreciate your time. Thank you so much.
Speaker 14 (21:02):
Thank you, Scott. Appreciate the conversation we've.
Speaker 1 (21:04):
Been talking with Joan Anker from Georgetown University's Center for
Children and Families about how proposed Medicaid cuts could hit
small businesses where it hurts, right here in our backyard.
As Congress debates this legislation, it's a conversation that affects entrepreneurs, employees,
and families, not only just here in Kentucky, but around
the country and again, just to Ancho what Jones said.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
To learn more of.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
Visit CCF dot Georgetown dot edu. CCF dot Georgetown dot edu.
I'm Scott Fitzgerald. You're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (21:36):
We're back after this.
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Speaker 1 (24:09):
For this edition of Kentucky Focus Today, we of course
tackle two stories that remind us just how connected we
all are, whether it's the health of a small child
in a daycare classroom or a small business owner down
the street trying to keep the doors open and the
staff insured. We heard how something as simple as stocking
the right medicine and training staff could make the difference
between life and death for a child with the food allergy,
(24:30):
and how smart policy and preparation.
Speaker 2 (24:31):
Can protect even our youngest Kentuckians.
Speaker 1 (24:34):
And we explored the side of the medicaid conversation that's
too often overlooked, how vital it is just not to individuals,
but to the very backbone of our economy, small businesses.
They keep our state running. If today's stories sparked something
in you, whether you're a parent, educator, or a policymaker
or even entrepreneur, had to ECA Collaborative dot com. That's
(24:54):
ECA Collaborative dot com and CCF dot Georgetown dot EDUCCF
dot Georgetown dot edu to learn more, get involved, and
stay informed. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. That's gonna wrap it up
for us on Kentucky.
Speaker 2 (25:08):
Focus this week.
Speaker 1 (25:09):
We appreciate you taking time to make us part of
your listening habits here across the Kentucky News Network until
next time, Stay curious, stay connected, and of course, take
care of each out.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
At Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show
that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
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jump up somewhere in the range of like thirty to
sixty dollars.
Speaker 16 (26:56):
But Consumer Reports Home and Tech editor Chris Raymond said
that isn't what they're seeing for gadgets like the Nintendo
switched too, so.
Speaker 8 (27:04):
The Nintendo Switch is held steady at like four hundred
and forty nine dollars four hundred and fifty dollars across
the board.
Speaker 16 (27:09):
He says that's also true for other tech devices Consumer
Reports looked at like iPhone sixteen's Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra
earbuds and TCL smart TVs.
Speaker 8 (27:20):
For the most part, we have not seen significant shifts there,
and I think that maybe, you know, perhaps because manufacturer
has some time to kind of get stock into the country,
you know, after the idea about taris was first introduced.
Speaker 16 (27:32):
With Tech Trends. I'm Mike Debaski.
Speaker 4 (27:34):
Only one in five people with disabilities, including those with autism,
are employed, despite many having the skill set and desire
to work.
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Maybe it's because employers don't know what kind of jobs
they can do.
Speaker 4 (27:44):
Okay, try me.
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What about a programmer?
Speaker 4 (27:48):
That is a job for someone with autism? What about
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Oh?
Speaker 5 (27:54):
How about a healthcare worker?
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Yes, those are all jobs for someone with autism. The
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(28:18):
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Ooh what about a ranch hand.
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Yeah, sure, that's a job for someone with autism too.
To learn more, go to Autism Speaks dot org, slash win.
That's Autism Speaks dot org slash win.
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I was in the hospital with my son for eighteen months.
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When he got injured.
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To learn more, visit HFOTUSA dot org.
And welcome to Kentucky Focus, where we dive into the
stores that shape our communities. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and Well,
this week, we're taking a look at two urgent issues
that deserve our full attention. First, one Pack a new
national movement urging childcare centers across the Commonwealth to get
serious about anaphylexic preparedness, food allergies on the rise and
(00:21):
surprise allergic reactions landing nearly one third of kids in
emergency situations. Experts like doctor Alice Hoyt are rallying providers,
parents and policymakers to take action. Now, am will shift
gears where a groundbreaking new study reveals an unexpected link
between Medicaid and small business stability. Turns out that one
in three Medicaid recipients are small business owners, employees, or
(00:43):
their family members. Pose cuts could threaten childcare, construction, restaurants, transportation,
and more. We'll hear from policy experts explaining what's at
stake for Kentucky's entrepreneurs.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
All this and more on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (01:15):
Only one in five people with disabilities, including those with autism,
are employed, despite many having the skill set and desire
to work.
Speaker 5 (01:22):
Maybe it's because employers don't know what kind of jobs
they can do.
Speaker 4 (01:25):
Okay, try me. What about a programmer That is a
job for someone with autism? What about a teacher that
is a job for someone with autism?
Speaker 5 (01:35):
Oh? How about a healthcare worker?
Speaker 4 (01:37):
Yes, those are all jobs for someone with autism. The
truth is qualified people with autism can do a lot
of different jobs, but often get overlooked due to outdated
stigmas and beliefs. Business is value diversity, but sometimes don't
recognize the unique strengths and abilities of the autism community.
Introducing when the Workplace Inclusion Now program by Autism Speaks,
(01:59):
we help business lead the way in inclusive hiring.
Speaker 5 (02:01):
Ooh what about a ranch hand?
Speaker 4 (02:04):
Yeah, sure that's a job for someone with autism too.
To learn more, go to Autism Speaks dot org slash win.
That's Autism Speaks dot org slash win.
Speaker 6 (02:14):
There's danger out there. It lurks on highways and quiet
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(02:36):
what's really terrifying and even deadly is distracted driving. Eyes Forward,
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Speaker 1 (02:45):
Today we're shining on the spotlight on something that could
save a child's life. Anna Flexus preparedness in early childcare settings.
Food allergies, of course, in young children are more common
than many realize, and a new national movement is urging
childcare centers across the country to step.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Up the readiness.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
Believe it or not, up to one third of severe
allergic reactions in schools and daycare centers happening kids with
no known analergy history. Joining us is doctor Alice Hoyt,
a board certified allergist and founder of the Hoyt Institute
of Food Allergy. She's a leading voice in the bush
for safer childcare environments through the Early Childhood Anaphylaxis Collaborative.
(03:23):
Doctor Hoyt, thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 7 (03:25):
Thank you for having me, Scott.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
Well, let's begin with the basics, doctor Hoyt.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
What is the Early Childhood Anaphylaxis Collaborative and what inspired
its creation?
Speaker 7 (03:34):
Absolutely, I'm really delighted to partner with Kaleo on the collaborative,
which is a group of amazing organizations who have been
working in the anaphylaxis preparedness space for a long time.
And the goal of the collaborative is to really support
early childcare centers to be better prepared for anaphylaxis. And
(03:55):
we're really working with early childcare professionals, with healthcare providers,
with families, with other stakeholders in this really important space
to help our vulnerable little kiddos in case they are
in a bad situation with an anaphylactic episode.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Right on, doctor Alis Hoyt is joining us a great conversation.
She's a board certified allergist and founder of the Hooint
Institute of Food Allergy and we're talking of chorus.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Doc. We hear about food realergies a lot.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
But for those who may not understand the severity, What
exactly is anaphylexis and how quickly can it turn life threatening?
Speaker 7 (04:29):
Absolutely so, anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. About five
to ten percent of kids actually have a potentially anaphylactic
food allergy, meaning if they eat a food like a
peanut or eggs, they can develop swelling, trouble breathing, vomiting,
drop in blood pressure, hives, and really in our young
(04:51):
kiddos where a symptom that I see kind of overlooked
sometimes is that first symptom of them really suddenly not
feeling well. You go a a kiddo who was really
happy and perky, and then suddenly they're not feeling well.
Then they might start vomiting, have trouble breathing. Ultimately, this
anaphylactic episode can be life threatening, which is why it's
(05:11):
so important that early childcare professionals know how to recognize
the reaction and then treat it with epinephrine.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
You know, doctor Alice Hoyd is with this.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
She's a certified bordologist, founder of the Hoyt Institute of
Food Allergy. Many reactions happening kids with no prior allergy diagnosis.
Why is this especially concerning for your early childcare childhood
care centers.
Speaker 7 (05:31):
Well, sometimes in your early childhood population are young kiddos.
They might be trying a food for a first time
at their childcare center, or they may have had it
once or twice before, did fine with it six months ago,
and then they have it again and they have a
severe reaction. And so it is in part because of
their young age, it's in part because maybe they haven't
had the foods before. But also a key factor to
(05:54):
being prepared in this population is that you have to
recognize that these kiddos can't vocalize all the time, like hey,
excuse me, I'm having a reaction. Sure, you have to
be really clued in. And these early childcare professionals who
are watching these kiddos are usually so clued into their kids,
which is why it's really exciting for me to partner
with KLEO doing this collaborative getting these resources out across
(06:18):
the country. It's amazing.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Can you explain what undesignated epinephrine is and why it's
a game change or in these childcare settings?
Speaker 7 (06:26):
Epinephrin is the treatment for anaphylaxis, and what undesignated epinephrin
is is pre doosed epinefrine, typically in the form of
a device that a childcare professional can administer to a
child having anaphylaxis, and so the epinephrin is not prescribed
to the child, it's actually prescribed to the center to
(06:47):
be used during that emergency to potentially save that child's life.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
You know, some schools stock EpiPens, but not all early
childcare centers do. What's the legal status right now across
different states? And how does LEDG like say, maybe Elijah's
Law factory.
Speaker 7 (07:03):
Right, So, most states already permit K through twelve schools
to stock at beneference. Some states even require it. Early
childcare centers are different though, and we don't have language
in every state code requiring or even in some cases
permitting early childcare centers to stock it. So it's really
important that initiatives like Elijah's Law, like other laws, so
(07:28):
many grassroots efforts to help early childcare centers be prepared
for allergy emergencies. That these are really really rising up
throughout our country really to encourage and support early childcare
centers to be prepared. And I'll tell you so many
of these professionals, early childcare professionals, they love on our
children all day. They want to be prepared. So we
(07:50):
are so excited to be here with all these resources
so that we can just say, here you go, let's
get you prepared for that emergency.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
That's such good news.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Doctor Alice Hoyt joining us again, and she's a board
certified allergist, founder of the hoy Institute of Food Allergy.
And along those lines, doctor Hoyt for childcare providers that
might be listening in what should a good anaphylaxis response
plan include, Well.
Speaker 7 (08:12):
First, I want to thank them for listening, and you know,
we're we're all here doing our jobs in part because
of those amazing professionals who are able to take care
of our children. And so really, for you to be
prepared for an allergy emergency, you want to have an
anaphilexis response plan at your center, and that really includes
two parts. One part is the knowledge part, really making
sure everybody in your center knows how to prevent, recognize,
(08:34):
and then respond to that emergency. And that second part
is that response. You want to practice that response plan,
and you want to have that life saving undesignated epinephrine
available to use promptly in case you do have a
child who's having an allergy emergency.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
Just a couple more questions for you, doctor Hoy. Great
conversation needed. As the father of a son who had
a severe penut allergy and a daughter who had a
shelfish energy, this is.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
Like we gone the EpiPen route.
Speaker 8 (09:01):
Get it.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Yeah, I get it, I exactly get I'm one hundred
percent relating to what you're throwing down here. So along
those lines dot for parents who are worried, especially those
with young children who haven't shown signs of food allergies,
why should they be asking their childcare providers.
Speaker 5 (09:15):
So that's a.
Speaker 7 (09:16):
Great question, and that's one reason I'm really excited about
this particular collaborative is because it's really trying to engage
early childcare centers to be prepared by giving them the resources.
So what a parent can do, whether you're a parent
of a child with a food allergy or your child
doesn't have a food allergy, is provide them the website
ECA Collaborative dot com where the childcare center can go,
(09:39):
where you as the parent can go, and you can
gain access to all these resources. And I'll tell you,
as a board certified allergist, as a pediatrician that it
is so important that any center, any school that's taking
care of our kids be prepared for any medical emergency.
And this type of collaborative that provides all of the
support and being prepared for anaphylaxis is going to help
(10:01):
with all of that, with just getting your center more
prepared for medical emergencies, but especially anaphal axis.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
Doctor Alice Hoyd, a Board certified allergist and founder of
the Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy, Doc, thank you so
much for your time. It is a topic that needs
by far more conversations running it as far as I'm concerned.
Speaker 7 (10:22):
Thank you so much, Doc, Thank you for having me, Scott.
Speaker 1 (10:25):
That was doctor Alice Hoyd from the Hoyt Institute of
Food Energy helping us understand the growing need for anaphylaxis
preparedness in early childhood settings. It's a reminder that food
allergies aren't just something to be aware of, there's something
we must be prepared for.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
If you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, feel free.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
To visit ECA Collaborative dot com. That's ECA Collaborative dot com.
There you'll find free tools, training and resources that.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
Could save a child's life.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
Thanks again to doctor Hoyd, and thank you all. We're
back after this On Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzker.
Speaker 5 (11:02):
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Speaker 1 (13:02):
Well, today we're talking about a new report with serious
implications for small businesses, maybe even your own family. Proposal
in Congress could bring about the largest cuts to medicaid
in US history. A new study from Georgetown University's Center
for Children in Families, in partnership with the McCourt School
of Public Policy at Georgetown University, reveals something surprising. One
(13:22):
in three Medicaid recipients is either a small business owner
or an employee of one, or a family member here
to unpack what this couldn't mean for industries like construction,
John Care, restaurants, and beyondest Joan Alker. She is executive
director of the Center for Children in Families. John, thanks
for taking time to join us.
Speaker 14 (13:40):
Thanks Scott so much for having me.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Let's start with the big picture.
Speaker 1 (13:43):
What did your new study reveal about the connection between
medicaid and small businesses.
Speaker 14 (13:48):
Yeah, this I think is one of the first studies.
I don't recall seeing other studies that looked at the
relationship between medicaid and small businesses. So we of course
looked at folks who work at small businesusinesses, employees, small
business owners, self employed folks, but we also looked at
their children and other household members, and we found that
(14:09):
there's approximately eleven million children nationwide whose parents are self
employed to work for small businesses. So overall, medicate one
third of everybody enrolled in medicaid nationwide is connected to
a small business.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
John Alker's joining us. She's executive director of the Center
for Children in Families and Georgetown University. And we're talking,
of course about medicaid and its effects on small business owners. Joan,
why do you think this story has flown under the
radar for so long considering how many workers and business
owners are impacted.
Speaker 14 (14:40):
You know, it's a great question. There just hasn't been
any discussion that I've heard about the impact of these
Medicaid cuts on small businesses. They just seem to have
been forgotten in the debate. And you know, it makes
sense when you think about I mean, small businesses are
struggling to afford private health insurance even for their own employees,
(15:02):
but let alone their employees' children, which is much more expensive.
So you can see, particularly in states like Kentucky that
have expanded Medicaid to other adults under the Affordable Care Act,
that small business workers are really benefiting from that. And
this is helping folks who want to start small businesses
(15:23):
because they don't have to worry. I mean, a lot
of times when you start a small business, y'ur incomes
pretty low or it may be fluctuating. Certainly you can
feel good that your children, who are eligible at higher
levels are going to have health insurance through Medicaid. So
one of the industries we've looked at in the past
is the childcare industry. This is full of small businesses, right,
(15:45):
it's small operations. Childcare is very expensive. It's real hard
for parents to afford it. And in Kentucky about thirty
percent of childcare workers are covered by Medicaid. So that
those are the kinds of places that need in the
map doesn't add up for them because they can't keep
raising the cost of childcare to be able to provide
(16:06):
expensive health insurance benefits to their employees. So those are
the kinds of small businesses, and there are many more
that Medicaid is really supporting work and allowing families to work.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
John Alker's joining us great conversation. She is the executive
director of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University,
and we're talking about the cuts to Medicaid and its
effects on small business owners, especially right here in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky. And Joe in the study mentioned something
called one big Beautiful Bill. What is this legislation and
what could it mean for healthcare access?
Speaker 14 (16:39):
Yeah, so this is the major budget legislation that Congress
is moving forward right now to advance President Trump's agenda.
Passed the House by one vote right around Memorial Day,
and the Senate is working on this very actively and
lots of things in this bill. It's obviously advancing the
president's agenda in many ways, but unfortunately, the biggest set
(17:04):
of cuts that we see in the bill are directed
at Medicaid. This is surprising because voters of all parties
really don't want Congress to cut Medicaid. But here we are,
and this is why we're so concerned about the impact
on rural areas, on rural hospitals, and as you see
from this data, will clearly have a big impact on
(17:25):
small businesses.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
And critics often frame Medicaid is just a safety net program.
How does your research change or challenge that perception.
Speaker 14 (17:34):
Yeah, I think what folks you know, may not be
aware is that lots of the adults on Medicaid are working,
but they're working in the kinds of jobs that are
not providing health benefits. And small businesses are a great
example of that. These are not big, you know, fortune
five hundred companies that can afford to provide a rich
healthcare benefits package, especially for the workers' kids and family
(17:58):
members and spouses, where Medicaid is really an economic support
for families and for folks who want to work in
small businesses, perhaps start a small business or are self employed.
Medicaid is really vital to allowing them to do that
work and follow their passion.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
Joe Nuker joining us a great conversation about medicaid and
small business owners, especially right here in the Commonwealth. She
is the executive director of the Center for Children and
Families at Georgetown University. They're working in partnership with the
McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University to talk
about the effects that the cuts on Medicaid to small
business owners and Joan, what would you say to lawmakers
(18:37):
who may not fully understand the implications from their small
business constituents.
Speaker 14 (18:41):
Yeah, I would just say to your listeners, if you
don't want Congress to cut Medicaid, now is the time
to let them know of your thoughts about this, because
they represent you and this is not a popular idea,
so this timing here is great. I would really urge
listeners to do that, and certainly, I think you know, lawmakers,
(19:05):
there are lots of problems in our healthcare system and
the costs are too high, and that's what we'd like
them to address. But these proposals are not going to
do that. In fact, they're just going to make millions
of people uninsured who are now you know, not going
to be able to court healthcare at all because they're
not going to have health insurance.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
And what ripple effects could that have on these economies
in these communities, say here in our backyard in Kentucky.
Speaker 14 (19:27):
Yeah, I mean, first of all, Kentucky has a lot
of rural hospitals that are struggling, and those families in
rural communities actually are more reliant on Medicaid than in
urban areas. We've done other research on that, So just
going to have a devastating impact on rural communities and
rural hospitals and labor and delivery units for example, have
(19:48):
been disappearing. So the ability of moms and babies to thrive,
you know, just to give birth safely can be at
risk in these rural communities. But these customer are so large,
really going to leave no part of the state unscathed,
and that's something to worry about.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
Amazing conversation. Joan Alker joining us again. She's the executive
director for the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University.
And the effects medicaid will have, and of course it's
cuts to Medicaid is what we're talking about. And last
question for you, Joan, For our listeners who wanted to
have a little deeper where can they go and find
the full import and of course stay informed on what
they need to know.
Speaker 14 (20:26):
Sure, yes, come to our website. It's c c F
as in Frank dot Georgetown dot edu. So that's CCF
like Center for Children and Families dot Georgetown dot edu.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
Joan, great conversation. Could probably talk to you all day
about this. By day.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
I'll appreciate you taking time to help our folks here
in Kentucky. You don't make them aware of what's going on,
and now's the time to really take action. Like you said,
there's a lot of issues going on in our country
right now, but this one has a huge impact on
the folks that need it most.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
I appreciate your time. Thank you so much.
Speaker 14 (21:02):
Thank you, Scott. Appreciate the conversation we've.
Speaker 1 (21:04):
Been talking with Joan Anker from Georgetown University's Center for
Children and Families about how proposed Medicaid cuts could hit
small businesses where it hurts, right here in our backyard.
As Congress debates this legislation, it's a conversation that affects entrepreneurs, employees,
and families, not only just here in Kentucky, but around
the country and again, just to Ancho what Jones said.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
To learn more of.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
Visit CCF dot Georgetown dot edu. CCF dot Georgetown dot edu.
I'm Scott Fitzgerald. You're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (21:36):
We're back after this.
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tires are more likely to fail. Plus properly inflated tires
will give you better gas mileage. To teck your tire
pressure at least once a month, we stopped by a
(24:02):
local tire retailer for an air.
Speaker 11 (24:03):
Chain message from the US Tire Manufacturers Association.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
And that'll do it.
Speaker 1 (24:09):
For this edition of Kentucky Focus Today, we of course
tackle two stories that remind us just how connected we
all are, whether it's the health of a small child
in a daycare classroom or a small business owner down
the street trying to keep the doors open and the
staff insured. We heard how something as simple as stocking
the right medicine and training staff could make the difference
between life and death for a child with the food allergy,
(24:30):
and how smart policy and preparation.
Speaker 2 (24:31):
Can protect even our youngest Kentuckians.
Speaker 1 (24:34):
And we explored the side of the medicaid conversation that's
too often overlooked, how vital it is just not to individuals,
but to the very backbone of our economy, small businesses.
They keep our state running. If today's stories sparked something
in you, whether you're a parent, educator, or a policymaker
or even entrepreneur, had to ECA Collaborative dot com. That's
(24:54):
ECA Collaborative dot com and CCF dot Georgetown dot EDUCCF
dot Georgetown dot edu to learn more, get involved, and
stay informed. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. That's gonna wrap it up
for us on Kentucky.
Speaker 2 (25:08):
Focus this week.
Speaker 1 (25:09):
We appreciate you taking time to make us part of
your listening habits here across the Kentucky News Network until
next time, Stay curious, stay connected, and of course, take
care of each out.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
At Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show
that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 19 (25:40):
The best words to hear at the TSA security checkpoint.
You're good to go, so check before you jet of
what delays at TSA security checkpoints by making sure you
have an acceptable form of ID that means a real ID,
passport or other acceptable forms of identification.
Speaker 17 (25:57):
Visit TSA dot gov slash ID to check the full
list of acceptable IDs.
Speaker 4 (26:02):
Avoid travel delays by checking ID requirements and you're good
to go.
Speaker 13 (26:08):
We all have someone we love, Like the favorite lyric
in our favorite song, you can't imagine life without them.
Cancer screening tests can help keep the person you love
around longer by detecting changes before cancer develops or catch
it early when it may be easier to treat, and
many tests are available for free or covered by insurance.
It's time to sound like a broken record. Tell all
(26:30):
your friends and family, I love you, Get screened, Visit
cancer dot org slash get screened to learn more.
Speaker 16 (26:37):
Tariffs and the thread of tariffs have sparked fear among
consumers that prices could spike for some popular tech products,
and that is the case for some retail sectors.
Speaker 8 (26:47):
The microwave, the washing machine, and the vacuum cleaner all
jump up somewhere in the range of like thirty to
sixty dollars.
Speaker 16 (26:56):
But Consumer Reports Home and Tech editor Chris Raymond said
that isn't what they're seeing for gadgets like the Nintendo
switched too, so.
Speaker 8 (27:04):
The Nintendo Switch is held steady at like four hundred
and forty nine dollars four hundred and fifty dollars across
the board.
Speaker 16 (27:09):
He says that's also true for other tech devices Consumer
Reports looked at like iPhone sixteen's Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra
earbuds and TCL smart TVs.
Speaker 8 (27:20):
For the most part, we have not seen significant shifts there,
and I think that maybe, you know, perhaps because manufacturer
has some time to kind of get stock into the country,
you know, after the idea about taris was first introduced.
Speaker 16 (27:32):
With Tech Trends. I'm Mike Debaski.
Speaker 4 (27:34):
Only one in five people with disabilities, including those with autism,
are employed, despite many having the skill set and desire
to work.
Speaker 5 (27:41):
Maybe it's because employers don't know what kind of jobs
they can do.
Speaker 4 (27:44):
Okay, try me.
Speaker 5 (27:45):
What about a programmer?
Speaker 4 (27:48):
That is a job for someone with autism? What about
a teacher that is a job for someone with autism?
Speaker 2 (27:54):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (27:54):
How about a healthcare worker?
Speaker 4 (27:56):
Yes, those are all jobs for someone with autism. The
truth is qualified people with autism can do a lot
of different jobs, but often get overlooked due to outdated
stigmas and beliefs. Business is value diversity, but sometimes don't
recognize the unique strengths and abilities of the autism community.
Introducing WIN the Workplace Inclusion Now Program by Autism Speaks,
(28:18):
we help businesses lead the way in inclusive hiring.
Speaker 5 (28:20):
Ooh what about a ranch hand.
Speaker 4 (28:23):
Yeah, sure, that's a job for someone with autism too.
To learn more, go to Autism Speaks dot org, slash win.
That's Autism Speaks dot org slash win.
Speaker 7 (28:34):
I was in the hospital with my son for eighteen months.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
When he got injured.
Speaker 4 (28:38):
I wasn't prepared, but I knew I had to be strong.
When I was told about John's injury. I was in
complete shock. I just remember rushing into his room and
give him a big hug and letting him know I
was there.
Speaker 20 (28:49):
These veterans and families are just a few of the
heroes we serve at homes for our troops, for thousands
of severely injured veterans, everyday life is filled with barriers.
Speaker 18 (29:00):
Was really the little things throughout the house, counters that
you can't roll up to at a dragon wheelchair downsteps, and.
Speaker 4 (29:05):
I want to help, but he is so determined.
Speaker 20 (29:08):
At homes for our troops, we build specially adapted custom
homes with features like wheelchair access, roll in showers, and
automatic door openers that allow them to function independently and
focus on their recovery and family.
Speaker 2 (29:23):
This house is freedom, it's.
Speaker 9 (29:25):
Hope, it's the new beginning.
Speaker 4 (29:27):
This house has given me my family back.
Speaker 20 (29:30):
To learn more, visit HFOTUSA dot org.
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