KMA’s “Small STEPS, Big Impact” campaign is flourishing in 2026, by building on the success of its first year and focusing on how each of the STEPS priorities contributes to better cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains one of the most significant health challenges facing Kentuckians, and physicians play a crucial role in helping patients understand the everyday habits that influence long-term heart health. As an anesthesiologist, this is an issue that’s particularly important to me, as I see how cardiovascular health impacts the quality of life for so many of my patients.
These conversations couldn’t be more timely too, as our Kentucky legislature has focused heavily on healthcare this session. KMA has been an active participant in these conversations, advocating for evidence-based care at the center of all decisions. In November, our STEPS campaign was even invited to testify before the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Kentucky Task Force, sharing the success of the campaign to that point, as well as the strategies we have used to encourage Kentuckians to take control of their health journeys. We demonstrated how efforts through Small STEPS, Big Impact improve the health of our communities.
Since that hearing, our campaign has met Kentuckians where they are. In February, we launched a new round of statewide digital in conjunction with American Heart Month, which garnered more than 2.5 million impressions statewide! We have also expanded our presence on social media through a series of short videos from our Physician Ambassadors that are designed to counter misinformation and provide reliable health guidance to patients.
I am also excited to share that our STEPS campaign Public Service Announcements (PSA) will be shown during the 2026 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments! Our 30 second PSA will be displayed during select streaming service views to adults in Kentucky during the first two weekends of play. This includes the Selection Sunday show, the First and Second Rounds, the Sweet 16, and Elite 8, more than 125 games total.
In addition, I recently had the opportunity to discuss the campaign during an upcoming episode of “Kentucky Health” with Wayne Tuckson, M.D. on KET. The program highlights the STEPS campaign and discusses practical, physician-led strategies to help improve cardiovascular health statewide. The episode will air on April 26 and will also be available for streaming online following its premiere.
While the legislature continues to debate healthcare policy and what the best routes for improving the health of our state, I am so proud that KMA is leading the way through initiatives that empower our patients to make positive changes in their lives. And as a member of the KMA, you are part of this campaign and its reach. Thank you for what you do every day and supporting the good work of our profession.