Participation Type
Panel
Presentation #1 Title
All Access EKY: Full-Spectrum Birth Control in Appalachian Kentucky
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Birth control deserts are a lingering problem in American healthcare and are often concentrated in underclassed rural areas. Within Appalachian Kentucky, these deserts are prevalent and pervasive with long-term consequences on the region. Across the state, 47% of all pregnancies are reported as unplanned and research establishes an undeniable correlation between birth rates and birth control access. All Access EKY is a collaborative reproductive health pilot program established for 10 Eastern Kentucky counties with the goal of reducing unplanned pregnancies by increasing access to the full spectrum of birth control. Utilizing the Better Birth Control framework developed from similar successful initiatives, the project is designed to meet the needs of all Kentuckians through a combination of education, outreach, and policy change. As the project evolves, we will continue to learn more about the economic and social barriers that prevent broad and equitable access birth control. This presentation will be a brief overview of All Access EKY’s mission, methodology, and current progress as the project moves into its second year and beyond.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Stacie Sexton is a native of the Appalachian coalfields and was raised in Whitesburg, KY. She graduated from UNC Asheville with a BA in gender and sexuality studies. Over the past decade, she has worked with many regional organizations including Appalshop, Lexington Fairness, and serves as the Artist Director of The Abortion Monologues of Lexington. She currently works with Kentucky Health Justice Network as Director of All Access EKY, a reproductive health project focused on promoting comprehensive access to full spectrum contraception in Eastern Kentucky.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Marcie Crim is the Executive Director of Kentucky Health Justice Network. She came to KHJN from Kentucky Educational Television (KET), where she served as the Director of Marketing and Publications. Prior to that, Marcie was a Vice President at WNIN Tri-State Public Media in Evansville, IN, and held positions at the American Red Cross of Western Kentucky, WWMT/Appalshop, and acted as a consultant for the Center for Social Inclusion/Ford Foundation. Marcie has served as a volunteer for the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association, Chrysalis House, and has been a featured speaker for the National Federation of Community Broadcasters and the Dart Center for Journalism. Marcie is also a published photographer and writer in publications such as the Lexington Herald-Leader. As Executive Director, Marcie builds support and resources to expand the reach of KHJN’s programs and center the voices and experiences of Kentuckians who are most impacted by reproductive, sexual, and gender injustices.
Conference Subthemes
Diversity and Inclusion, Health
All Access EKY: Full-Spectrum Birth Control in Appalachian Kentucky
Birth control deserts are a lingering problem in American healthcare and are often concentrated in underclassed rural areas. Within Appalachian Kentucky, these deserts are prevalent and pervasive with long-term consequences on the region. Across the state, 47% of all pregnancies are reported as unplanned and research establishes an undeniable correlation between birth rates and birth control access. All Access EKY is a collaborative reproductive health pilot program established for 10 Eastern Kentucky counties with the goal of reducing unplanned pregnancies by increasing access to the full spectrum of birth control. Utilizing the Better Birth Control framework developed from similar successful initiatives, the project is designed to meet the needs of all Kentuckians through a combination of education, outreach, and policy change. As the project evolves, we will continue to learn more about the economic and social barriers that prevent broad and equitable access birth control. This presentation will be a brief overview of All Access EKY’s mission, methodology, and current progress as the project moves into its second year and beyond.
