Skip to main content

News and events

You can stay up to date with health news, newsletters and upcoming events.

Your updates

Here you’ll find the latest member news, bulletins and resources.

Be Healthy Program

Through the SKY Program, members are eligible for Aetna’s Be Healthy Child and Family Nutrition Classes. Classes are offered on a regular basis. Members can register for any of the classes on the ABHKY Events Page and can decide to cancel their registration at any time.  

Currently, the Be Healthy Program is offering the two classes below: 

 

Health Runs DEEP!

Health Runs Deep is a series of classes that will help you learn ways to improve and manage your family’s health.  This program has been developed for foster, adoptive, and fictive kin families and focuses on the specific nutritional, physical activity, and wellness needs of system involved youth.

Trauma informed tips, improving power struggles, goal setting, healthy meal planning, and physical activity plans are a few of the great things we will learn about.  You will also be eligible for some great rewards. 

This program meets 4 times. Your family will receive a check-in call to help and cheer for you along the way. 

  • Session 0– What to expect during meetings and calls, ground rules, parenting tips on power struggles, trauma informed care tips, and questions.
  • Session 1- What is Diabetes and Prediabetes, Know Your Why, Toolbox, Goal Setting, Action Planning.
  • Session 2 – How to eat a healthy meal, reading food labels, making healthy plates, food tracking
  • Session 3- How to get more physically active, biometrics, “Let’s Move” activity, Aetna Better Health of KY Benefits Overview.
  • Session 4- Slow Cooker Nutrition Class, review of nutrition, benefits of a slow cooker, fact and tips on how to use slow cooker. Wrap-Up  

SKY Child and Adolescent Nutrition and Wellness Training

  • 1 Hour
  • Offered monthly or upon request
  • DCBS Foster Parent Credits available upon completion.
  • This training has been developed for foster, adoptive, and fictive kin families and focuses on the specific nutritional, physical activity, and wellness needs of system involved youth.

Topics include parenting tips, understanding BMI, risks associated with overweight and obesity diagnoses, food issues common in foster care, healthy meal planning, low cost healthy meal ideas, food tracking, exercise ideas, and “Five-Two-One-Almost None” model.

 

Family Planning Training Series for Pregnant, Parenting and Transition Age Youth

Newly pregnant or caring for a pregnant teen in your home? Becoming a first-time father? Transitioning into adulthood?

 

Aetna Better Health of Kentucky offers training and education that can help.

 

Our offering of training and education programs include:

  • Caring for a Pregnant Teen
  • Nutrition and Wellness
  • Catch My Breath
  • Sexual Health & Body Safety
  • One Love: Healthy Relationships
  • Parenting Education

Local events and trainings

Learn more about our events and trainings coming soon to your area:

 

December 12, 2024

Welcome to SKY for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The purpose of this training is to educate participants in system transformation and design as well as the new foster program, Supporting Kentucky Youth. The participants will receive an overview of the program, including how the state/Cabinet sister agencies define roles and responsibilities and collaborate to meet the needs of the KY SKY population. Participants will gain a high-level understanding of the FFPSA, what this means at the state and policy level, including fiscal implications. Participants will learn about the Care management tiers, the risk stratification process, and how to connect the SKY enrollees to Care Management services.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

December 19, 2024

New Provider Orientation

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This training provides a high-level overview of subjects such as: member eligibility; covered services; prior authorization; the provider manual (which is a direct extension of the provider agreement); Availity; quality; fraud, waste and abuse; claims; and grievances and appeals. The SKY program will also be covered, including roles and responsibilities of the of the Department, DCBS, DJJ, and Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) and SKY contractor and needs of the SKY population.

  • Continuity of care training will emphasize HIPAA requirements supporting compliant sharing of enrollee health information.
  • Covered Services and the Provider’s responsibilities for providing and/or coordinating such services. Special emphasis must be placed on areas that vary from Medicaid coverage and processes, such as coordinating with Foster Parents, Caregivers, Fictive Kin, DCBS and DJJ professional personnel, Adoptive Parents, CASAs, judges, law enforcement officials, and other Cabinet sister agencies.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

December 19, 2024

Training Collaborative

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

This group will convene bimonthly to discuss commonly held knowledge for innovative and advanced child protection practice and concepts in the state of Kentucky as well as gaps in knowledge that need support. Our meetings will be held bimonthly on the 3rd Thursday from 12 – 1:15pm. 

 

This group will have the honor of planning around the collective sharing, distribution, and advancement of commonly held training knowledge in a variety of subject areas regarding children and families. This group will also have the opportunity to identify key partnerships, resources, and leverage points to build training knowledge and continue to share across the state and its systems and families, paving the way for Kentucky to be best in class in its collective child and family training knowledge. 

 

Please consider joining us on one of the working subgroups:

 

Education Workgroup:  If interested please contact Joy Varney at VarneyJ@aetna.com

Family/Advocacy/Member Workgroup:  If interested please contact Jesse Cain at cainj1@aetna.com

Systems Workgroup:  If interested please contact Courtney Ham at MaryM@aetna.com

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

December 26, 2024

Virtual Office Hours for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The purpose of these sessions is to update participants on program related matters and give our partners an opportunity to raise questions or issues they may have regarding network participation. We intend to have a featured topic that will be addressed each session. Depending on the content to be addressed, i.e., medical management, billing, claims adjudication, etc., there will be other Aetna subject matter experts joining the call.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

January 9, 2025

SKY's the Limit: Supporting Kentucky Youth Program Overview for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Overview of our SKY (Supporting Kentucky's Youth) program. Includes how to get started and what services you may be eligible for, as well as provider engagement and participation,  including roles and responsibilities  of providers, and special needs of the SKY population.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

January 15, 2025

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Substance Exposed Infants

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This presentation provides an overview of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome  (NAS) and Substance Exposed Infants (SEI). Topics discussed include  symptoms, treatment, prevention efforts, reporting and resources. The  presentation emphasizes a holistic, whole person-whole family, approach to care and treatment.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at MgDean@aetna.com.  

 

January 16, 2025

New Provider Orientation

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This training provides a high-level overview of subjects such as: member eligibility; covered services; prior authorization; the provider manual (which is a direct extension of the provider agreement); Availity; quality; fraud, waste and abuse; claims; and grievances and appeals. The SKY program will also be covered, including roles and responsibilities of the of the Department, DCBS, DJJ, and Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) and SKY contractor and needs of the SKY population.

  • Continuity of care training will emphasize HIPAA requirements supporting compliant sharing of enrollee health information.
  • Covered Services and the Provider’s responsibilities for providing and/or coordinating such services. Special emphasis must be placed on areas that vary from Medicaid coverage and processes, such as coordinating with Foster Parents, Caregivers, Fictive Kin, DCBS and DJJ professional personnel, Adoptive Parents, CASAs, judges, law enforcement officials, and other Cabinet sister agencies.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

January 21, 2025

Human Trafficking 101

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This training will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking in their communities and in the workplace.  It will also emphasize the increased risk that those being served through the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice System have in becoming victims. 

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

January 22, 2025

Supporting Transition Age Youth

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Participants will learn how to best meet the specialized physical and behavioral health needs of adolescents.  They will be able to identify and locate services and support throughout Kentucky and through the Aetna SKY Program.  In addition, participants will learn how Aetna Care Managers support transition age youth through Journey to Independence Staffing’s and how our care management team aligns with the Department of Community Based Services through the Transition Plan.   

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

January 22, 2025

What is Harm Reduction and Why Does it Work? For Foster, Kinship, Adoptive and Biological Families - Foster Parent Credit Available

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Harm reduction is a compassionate and practical approach that aims to reduce the risks and negative consequences associated with substance use and improve quality of life by promoting health and safety.

 

The Harm Reduction Coalition’s presentation will include the following:

  • Overview of KY Harm Reduction Coalition (KyHRC)
  • How Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Affect Our Community
  • Harm Reduction
  • Fentanyl, Xylazine, and Test Strips
  • Recognizing an Overdose
  • Prevention of an Overdose
  • Good Samaritan Law
  • Talking to Your Youth about Drugs 

 

How to join the event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Joy Varney at VarneyJ@aetna.com.  

 

January 23, 2025

Cultural Competency for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Recognizing that members have diverse views is critical to meeting their needs. The cultural factors that will likely impact your relationships with members include age, gender identity, language, religion, and values, to name a few. It’s important to respect and respond to members’ distinct values, beliefs, behaviors and needs when caring for them.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

January 23, 2025

What is Harm Reduction and Why Does it Work? For Foster, Kinship, Adoptive and Biological Families - Foster Parent Credit Available

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Harm reduction is a compassionate and practical approach that aims to reduce the risks and negative consequences associated with substance use and improve quality of life by promoting health and safety.

 

The Harm Reduction Coalition’s presentation will include the following:

  • Overview of KY Harm Reduction Coalition (KyHRC)
  • How Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Affect Our Community
  • Harm Reduction
  • Fentanyl, Xylazine, and Test Strips
  • Recognizing an Overdose
  • Prevention of an Overdose
  • Good Samaritan Law
  • Talking to Your Youth about Drugs 

 

How to join the event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Joy Varney at VarneyJ@aetna.com.  

 

February 5, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 1: Introduction and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth in Foster Care

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  In Session 1, caregivers will define trauma, describer ways that traumatic stress and adversity impact a youth's development and describer the importance of responding to the underlying cause of a youth's behaviors. 

 

Foster Parent Credit is approved for this training. 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dawn Burke at BurkeD3@aetna.com.  

 

 

February 7, 2025

Free UK  Center on Trauma and Children 3 HR Trauma Informed Care Virtual Training, Sponsored by Aetna

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This training will provide a brief overview of the types of trauma children/adults may be exposed to and symptoms of traumatic stress. Participants will learn about the elements of a trauma-informed system and will increase their knowledge and practice of emotional regulation strategies that can reduce traumatic stress symptoms in clients. 

 

CEUs are available for Social Work, EILA, LPCC/A  and Psychology.

 

Please note: this training is not eligible for foster parent credits. Please contact Dawn for more information about trauma training for foster/resource parents.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dawn Burke at BurkeD3@aetna.com.  

 

 

February 11, 2025

High Fidelity Wraparound Overview

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Please join us for a High Fidelity WrapAround Overview given by The National Center for Innovation and Excellence.  Wraparound is an intensive, team-based, person-centered care planning and management process. It is not a treatment or service per se. Wraparound is not a process for all; it is applicable and most effective for those with complex needs and histories of extensive and costly service utilization.  The wraparound process aims to achieve positive outcomes by providing a structured, creative and individualized team planning process with four specific phases (engagement, plan development, implementation, and transition) that, compared to traditional treatment planning, results in plans that are more effective and more relevant to the child and family. 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

February 11, 2025

Foster Parent Training FOR CREDIT: Caring for a Child with Food Allergies

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Parenting a Child with Food Allergies is designed to provide evidence-based,  practical information for those caring for children with serious food allergies.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at MgDean@aetna.com.  

 

February 12, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 2:  Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 2 will help caregivers describe the two major adaptive responses to threats, describe how fear changes the way you think, feel and action, and describer three trauma-informed techniques to effectively parent youth, based on their emotional age and developmental state. 

 

Foster Parent credit is approved for this training 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dawn Burke at BurkeD3@aetna.com.  

 

 

February 19, 2025

CANS Overview for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment Overview. Learn more about this comprehensive assessment tool that explores the strengths and needs of the child and family. CANS is a collaborative, consensus-based assessment that creates a common language framework which aids understanding of many issues. This is NOT a form, but a place to capture a natural/organic conversation you are having with children and families.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

February 19, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 3: Developing and Sustaining Healthy and Supportive Relationships with your Youth

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 3 will describe the impact of loss and grief on teens, describe two actions that parents can take to enhance attachment and strengthen their relationship with youth, and describe two ways that parents can deepen attunement with their youth. 

 

Foster Parent Credit is approved for this training. 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Joy Varney at VarneyJ@aetna.com.  

 

 

February 26, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 4: Nurturing Youth's Cultural/Racial/Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and Expression

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 4 will identify ways to incorporate the youth's race, culture and ethnicity into family life, and demonstrate two skills in communicating acceptance and support for youth who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity. 

 

Foster Parent Credit is approved for this training.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Erica Jones at JonesE8@aetna.com.  

 

 

March 5, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 5: Understanding and Managing Youth's Challenging Behaviors Part 1

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 5 will demonstrate two skills parents use in coping and managing their own emotions in the face of their youth's challenging behaviors. It will also demonstrate two ways that parents can effectively respond to their youth's rejecting, testing and maladaptive behaviors. Plus it will describe at least two signs that their relationship with the youth is under stress. 

 

Foster Parent Credit is approved for this training. 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com.

 

 

March 11, 2025

Physical and Behavioral Health Needs of the SKY Population - Training

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Participants will gain a high-level understanding of frequently seen medical and behavioral health needs, including how to identify Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) that impact the KY SKY populations. In addition, participants will be provided with information on covered benefits, accessing services (including specialty treatment and placements) for the KY SKY Population.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

March 12, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 6: Understanding and Managing Youth's Challenging Behaviors Part 2

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 6 will demonstrate at least two skills in addressing crisis/severe behaviors challenges. It will demonstrate two skills in teaching your youth how to remain safe and recognize vulnerabilities of youth with challenging behaviors who have experienced trauma. It will also describe how to access and be actively involved in professional supports that your youth may need to access. 

 

Foster Parent Credit is approved for this training.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Courtney Ham at Courtney.Ham@aetna.com.

 

 

March 19, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 7: A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 7 will describe two ways that parents can support youth's important connections and a sense of connectedness. It will demonstrate the impact of secondary trauma on parenting as well as identify the important elements to developing a self care plan. 

 

Foster Parent credit is approved for this training. 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at MgDean@aetna.com.  

 

March 25, 2025

Free UK  Center on Trauma and Children 3 HR Trauma Informed Care Virtual Training, Sponsored by Aetna

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The Trauma Informed Care Learning Collaborative for Aetna Provider and Partner Organizational Teams offers training to support a path for organizations to transform from introductory trauma awareness to integrated and advanced trauma-informed practices, approaches, and care. 

 

Participating teams will attend four virtual learning sessions, develop a plan for starting to implement trauma informed practices, and have an opportunity to participate in two virtual learning calls. There will be a pre-learning collaborative orientation call for leaders and team participants. 

 

Participants will be provided written information, resources, and support to help facilitate the implementation of various trauma-informed practices. Cased-based learning will be utilized throughout the learning collaborative.

 

PLEASE NOTE: This TIC Learning Collaborative isn’t designed for individuals, this is for organizations to send teams to learn and plan implementation of trauma informed care within their organization.

 

This is the schedule for the series (always EST):

Pre-Learning Collaborative Orientation/Welcome Call: March 25, 2025, 12:00-1:00 EST (virtual)

Learning Session 1:  March 31,  2025: 9:00 am–1:30 EST (virtual)

Learning Session Call 1: April 8,  2025: 12:00-1:00 EST (virtual)

Learning Session 2:  April 24,  2025: 9:00 am–1:30 EST (virtual)

Learning Session 3:  May 6,  2025: 9:00 am - 1:30 EST (virtual)

Learning Call 2: May 20,  2025:  12:00-1:00 EST (virtual)

Learning Session 4: May 27,  2025: 9:00-1:30 EST (virtual)

 

CEUs will be available for SW, Psych, LPCC/A, EILA

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dawn Burke at BurkeD3@aetna.com.  

 

 

April 15, 2025

Human Trafficking 101

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This training will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking in their communities and in the workplace.  It will also emphasize the increased risk that those being served through the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice System have in becoming victims. 

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

April 16, 2025

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Substance Exposed Infants

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This presentation provides an overview of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome  (NAS) and Substance Exposed Infants (SEI). Topics discussed include  symptoms, treatment, prevention efforts, reporting and resources. The  presentation emphasizes a holistic, whole person-whole family, approach to care and treatment.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at MgDean@aetna.com.  

 

April 22, 2025

Quality Measures and Health Outcomes - A Provider Training

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Participants will learn what current Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures are required for providers serving system involved youth.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

April 23, 2025

Supporting Transition Age Youth 

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Participants will learn how to best meet the specialized physical and behavioral health needs of adolescents.  They will be able to identify and locate services and support throughout Kentucky and through the Aetna SKY Program.  In addition, participants will learn how Aetna Care Managers support transition age youth through Journey to Independence Staffing’s and how our care management team aligns with the Department of Community Based Services through the Transition Plan.   

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

May 9, 2025

Free UK  Center on Trauma and Children 3 HR Trauma Informed Care Virtual Training, Sponsored by Aetna

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This training will provide a brief overview of the types of trauma children/adults may be exposed to and symptoms of traumatic stress. Participants will learn about the elements of a trauma-informed system and will increase their knowledge and practice of emotional regulation strategies that can reduce traumatic stress symptoms in clients. 

 

CEUs are available for Social Work, EILA, LPCC/A  and Psychology.

 

Please note: this training is not eligible for foster parent credits. Please contact Dawn for more information about trauma training for foster/resource parents.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dawn Burke at BurkeD3@aetna.com.  

 

 

May 13, 2025

SKY's the Limit: Supporting Kentucky’s Youth through a Collaborative Population Health Approach to Lower Psychotropic Polypharmacy among System Involved Youth

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Participants will learn the following:

  • Define SKY Program and recognized impact of trauma, SDOH, BH on this population
  • Define psychotropic polypharmacy
  • Understand the disproportionate prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy among Medicaid-insured youth and youth in foster care
  • Recognize the application of the basic tenants of population health management to address a systemic issue such as lowering psychotropic polypharmacy among system involved youth
  • Upfront Analytics to Stratify Risk
  • Multi-Modal Interventions
  • Establish and measure outcomes

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

May 13, 2025

Foster Parent Training FOR CREDIT: Caring for a Child with Food Allergies

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Parenting a Child with Food Allergies is designed to provide evidence-based,  practical information for those caring for children with serious food allergies.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at MgDean@aetna.com.  

 

June 10, 2025

Evidence-Based Guidelines for Weight Management for Providers

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Discussion on literature from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested by DCBS/DMS medical directors, as well as a provider toolkit with recommendations on the prevention, management and treatment of child and adolescent obesity. This state recommended literature is provided to better assist providers in treating our SKY eligible youth.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

July 15, 2025

Human Trafficking 101

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This training will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking in their communities and in the workplace.  It will also emphasize the increased risk that those being served through the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice System have in becoming victims. 

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

July 16, 2025

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Substance Exposed Infants

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This presentation provides an overview of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome  (NAS) and Substance Exposed Infants (SEI). Topics discussed include  symptoms, treatment, prevention efforts, reporting and resources. The  presentation emphasizes a holistic, whole person-whole family, approach to care and treatment.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at MgDean@aetna.com.  

 

July 16, 2025

Cultural Competency for Providers

Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Recognizing that members have diverse views is critical to meeting their needs. The cultural factors that will likely impact your relationships with members include age, gender identity, language, religion, and values, to name a few. It’s important to respect and respond to members’ distinct values, beliefs, behaviors and needs when caring for them.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

July 22, 2025

Medical Consent, HIPAA and Continuity of Care - Training for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Participants will learn what the requirements are for securing consent for treatment, based on youth’s placement and guardianship. Participants will learn, as part of continuity of care the HIPAA requirements to support compliant sharing of enrollee health information.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

July 23, 2025

Supporting Transition Age Youth 

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Participants will learn how to best meet the specialized physical and behavioral health needs of adolescents.  They will be able to identify and locate services and support throughout Kentucky and through the Aetna SKY Program.  In addition, participants will learn how Aetna Care Managers support transition age youth through Journey to Independence Staffing’s and how our care management team aligns with the Department of Community Based Services through the Transition Plan.   

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

August 12, 2025

CANS Overview for Providers

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment Overview. Learn more about this comprehensive assessment tool that explores the strengths and needs of the child and family. CANS is a collaborative, consensus-based assessment that creates a common language framework which aids understanding of many issues. This is NOT a form, but a place to capture a natural/organic conversation you are having with children and families.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

August 12, 2025

Foster Parent Training FOR CREDIT: Caring for a Child with Food Allergies

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Parenting a Child with Food Allergies is designed to provide evidence-based,  practical information for those caring for children with serious food allergies.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at MgDean@aetna.com.  

 

August 15, 2025

Free UK  Center on Trauma and Children 3 HR Trauma Informed Care Virtual Training, Sponsored by Aetna

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This training will provide a brief overview of the types of trauma children/adults may be exposed to and symptoms of traumatic stress. Participants will learn about the elements of a trauma-informed system and will increase their knowledge and practice of emotional regulation strategies that can reduce traumatic stress symptoms in clients. 

 

CEUs are available for Social Work, EILA, LPCC/A  and Psychology.

 

Please note: this training is not eligible for foster parent credits. Please contact Dawn for more information about trauma training for foster/resource parents.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dawn Burke at BurkeD3@aetna.com.  

 

 

September 15, 2025

Youth Thrive

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Please join us for Youth Thrive: Part 1

 

Kentucky is strengthening families by enhancing Protective Factors that reduce the impact of adversity and increase the well-being of children and families through family, community and state partnerships. The training objectives are: 

  • Understand the history and purpose of Youth Thrive 
  • Gain general knowledge about the 6 Premises and 5 Protective Factors 
  • Discuss how Youth Thrive increases resiliency

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

September 16, 2025

Youth Thrive

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Please join us for Youth Thrive: Part 2

 

Kentucky is strengthening families by enhancing Protective Factors that reduce the impact of adversity and increase the well-being of children and families through family, community and state partnerships. The training objectives are: 

  • Understand the history and purpose of Youth Thrive 
  • Gain general knowledge about the 6 Premises and 5 Protective Factors 
  • Discuss how Youth Thrive increases resiliency

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

September 17, 2025

Physical and Behavioral Health Needs of the SKY Population - Provider Training

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Participants will gain a high-level understanding of frequently seen medical and behavioral health needs, including how to identify Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) that impact the KY SKY populations. In addition, participants will be provided with information on covered benefits, accessing services (including specialty treatment and placements) for the KY SKY Population.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

October 1, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 1: Introduction and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth in Foster Care

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  In Session 1, caregivers will define trauma, describer ways that traumatic stress and adversity impact a youth's development and describer the importance of responding to the underlying cause of a youth's behaviors. 

 

Foster Parent Credit is approved for this training 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dawn Burke at BurkeD3@aetna.com.  

 

 

October 07, 2025

High Fidelity Wraparound Overview

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Please join us for a High Fidelity WrapAround Overview given by The National Center for Innovation and Excellence.  Wraparound is an intensive, team-based, person-centered care planning and management process. It is not a treatment or service per se. Wraparound is not a process for all; it is applicable and most effective for those with complex needs and histories of extensive and costly service utilization.  The wraparound process aims to achieve positive outcomes by providing a structured, creative and individualized team planning process with four specific phases (engagement, plan development, implementation, and transition) that, compared to traditional treatment planning, results in plans that are more effective and more relevant to the child and family. 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

October 8, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 2:  Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 2 will help caregivers describe the two major adaptive responses to threats, describe how fear changes the way you think, feel and action, and describer three trauma-informed techniques to effectively parent youth, based on their emotional age and developmental state. 

 

Foster Parent credit is approved for this training 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dawn Burke at BurkeD3@aetna.com.  

 

 

October 14, 2025

Quality Measures and Health Outcomes - A Provider Training

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Participants will learn what current Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures are required for providers serving system involved youth.

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

October 15, 2025

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Substance Exposed Infants

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

This presentation provides an overview of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome  (NAS) and Substance Exposed Infants (SEI). Topics discussed include  symptoms, treatment, prevention efforts, reporting and resources. The  presentation emphasizes a holistic, whole person-whole family, approach to care and treatment.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at MgDean@aetna.com.  

 

October 15, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 3: Developing and Sustaining Healthy and Supportive Relationships with your Youth

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 3 will describe the impact of loss and grief on teens, describe two actions that parents can take to enhance attachment and strengthen their relationship with youth, and describe two ways that parents can deepen attunement with their youth. 

 

Foster Parent Credit is approved for this training 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Joy Varney at VarneyJ@aetna.com.  

 

 

October 22, 2025

Supporting Transition Age Youth 

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Participants will learn how to best meet the specialized physical and behavioral health needs of adolescents.  They will be able to identify and locate services and support throughout Kentucky and through the Aetna SKY Program.  In addition, participants will learn how Aetna Care Managers support transition age youth through Journey to Independence Staffing’s and how our care management team aligns with the Department of Community Based Services through the Transition Plan.   

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

October 22, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 4: Nurturing Youth's Cultural/Racial/Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and Expression

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 4 will identify ways to incorporate the youth's race, culture and ethnicity into family life, and demonstrate two skills in communicating acceptance and support for youth who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity. 

 

Foster Parent Credit is approved for this training.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Courtney Ham at Courtney.Ham@aetna.com.

 

 

October 29, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 5: Understanding and Managing Youth's Challenging Behaviors Part 1

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 5 will demonstrate two skills parents use in coping and managing their own emotions in the face of their youth's challenging behaviors. It will also demonstrate two ways that parents can effectively respond to their youth's rejecting, testing and maladaptive behaviors. Plus it will describe at least two signs that their relationship with the youth is under stress. 

 

Foster Parent Credit is approved for this training. 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com.

 

 

November 5, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 6: Understanding and Managing Youth's Challenging Behaviors Part 2

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 6 will demonstrate at least two skills in addressing crisis/severe behaviors challenges. It will demonstrate two skills in teaching your youth how to remain safe and recognize vulnerabilities of youth with challenging behaviors who have experienced trauma. It will also describe how to access and be actively involved in professional supports that your youth may need to access. 

 

Foster Parent Credit is approved for this training.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Rachelle Mann at MannR@aetna.com.

 

 

November 7, 2025

Free UK  Center on Trauma and Children 3 HR Trauma Informed Care Virtual Training, Sponsored by Aetna

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This training will provide a brief overview of the types of trauma children/adults may be exposed to and symptoms of traumatic stress. Participants will learn about the elements of a trauma-informed system and will increase their knowledge and practice of emotional regulation strategies that can reduce traumatic stress symptoms in clients. 

 

CEUs are available for Social Work, EILA, LPCC/A  and Psychology.

 

Please note: this training is not eligible for foster parent credits. Please contact Dawn for more information about trauma training for foster/resource parents.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dawn Burke at BurkeD3@aetna.com.  

 

 

November 11, 2025

Foster Parent Training FOR CREDIT: Caring for a Child with Food Allergies

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Parenting a Child with Food Allergies is designed to provide evidence-based,  practical information for those caring for children with serious food allergies.

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at MgDean@aetna.com.  

 

November 12, 2025

CORE Teen Training Series, Session 7: A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills

CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth's needs, rather rather than just focusing on behaviors.  Session 7 will describe two ways that parents can support youth's important connections and a sense of connectedness. It will demonstrate the impact of secondary trauma on parenting as well as identify the important elements to developing a self care plan. 

 

Foster Parent credit is approved for this training. 

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Melissa Dean at MgDean@aetna.com.  

 

 

November 19, 2025

SKY's the Limit: Supporting Kentucky’s Youth through a Collaborative Population Health Approach to Lower Psychotropic Polypharmacy among System Involved Youth

Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Participants will learn the following:

  • Understand the disproportionate prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy among Medicaid-insured youth and youth in foster care
  • Recognize the application of the basic tenants of population health management to address a systemic issue such as lowering psychotropic polypharmacy among system involved youth
  • Upfront Analytics to Stratify Risk
  • Multi-Modal Interventions
  • Establish and measure outcomes

 

How to join this event:

Visit this link at the time of the event.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle Marrs at MarrsM@aetna.com.

 

December 8, 2025

Youth Thrive

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Please join us for Youth Thrive: Part 1

 

Kentucky is strengthening families by enhancing Protective Factors that reduce the impact of adversity and increase the well-being of children and families through family, community and state partnerships. The training objectives are: 

  • Understand the history and purpose of Youth Thrive 
  • Gain general knowledge about the 6 Premises and 5 Protective Factors 
  • Discuss how Youth Thrive increases resiliency

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

 

December 9, 2025

Youth Thrive

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Please join us for Youth Thrive: Part 2

 

Kentucky is strengthening families by enhancing Protective Factors that reduce the impact of adversity and increase the well-being of children and families through family, community and state partnerships. The training objectives are: 

  • Understand the history and purpose of Youth Thrive 
  • Gain general knowledge about the 6 Premises and 5 Protective Factors 
  • Discuss how Youth Thrive increases resiliency

 

How to join this event:

Register prior to the event using this link.

 

If you have questions, you can reach out to Julie Horen-Easley at Horen-EasleyJ@aetna.com

 

Also of interest: