Our Hearts Are With London and Somerset, KY: In the wake of the devastating tornadoes that struck southern and eastern Kentucky, including London and Somerset, All Access EKY expresses deep solidarity with affected communities. This post shares heartfelt condolences, outlines the organization’s ongoing relief efforts, and provides critical resources for those in need of shelter, supplies, and reproductive healthcare. It also includes ways the public can support recovery through donations, volunteering, and sharing verified information.

Understanding Endometriosis: What You Need to Know: In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, this post shines a light on a condition affecting 1 in 10 people with ovaries—endometriosis. It explains what the condition is, common symptoms, how to seek care, and the importance of self-advocacy and support, especially in rural Eastern Kentucky where healthcare access can be limited.

2024 Kentucky Legislative Session: This post provides an overview of key reproductive health-related bills from the 2024 Kentucky Legislative Session. It highlights legislation on issues such as midwifery care, maternal mental health, paid family leave, abortion rights, and medical privacy.

All Access EKY Quarterly Update: All Access EKY has been busy engaging with the community through education and advocacy events focused on reproductive well-being. This post highlights recent work, including a workshop with Appalachian Media Institute interns, a community teach-in with Planned Parenthood, a contraceptive access session at Big Ideas Fest, and a birth control training at the University of Kentucky.

Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods: A Comprehensive Guide: This post explores long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods—highly effective, low-maintenance birth control options like IUDs and implants. It explains how LARCs work, their key benefits (including convenience, effectiveness, and reversibility), and why they’re a popular choice for individuals seeking long-term contraception.

Debunking Six Common Birth Control Myths: This post debunks common myths about birth control, addressing misconceptions about fertility, weight gain, effectiveness, and usage. It provides accurate, science-backed information to help readers make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Sit Down with Deladis Haywood, Co-Producer of Award-Winning Appalachian Film: This post highlights No Such Right: The End of Roe in Appalachia, a powerful short documentary created by Appalachian youth through the support of All Access EKY and the Appalachian Media Institute. The film captures personal stories and community reactions in the wake of the Dobbs decision, exploring the impact of abortion bans in rural Appalachia. It also features an in-depth interview with producer Deladis Haywood, who reflects on the filmmaking process, overcoming the 2022 floods, and the ongoing fight for reproductive rights in the region.

So You've Been Diagnosed with an STI, Here's What to do Next: April is STI Awareness Month, and this blog post offers a compassionate, informative guide for anyone who has recently tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection. It covers key steps to take after a diagnosis—including treatment options, how to talk to partners, and breaking down common myths and stigmas.

AAEKY April Recap: All Access EKY kicked off the year with exciting community engagement, including the first in-person Advisory Board meeting in Pikeville, KY, where members collaborated on healthcare, policy, and outreach goals. The team also visited 16 clinics across six counties to provide support and resources, hosted educational events at Centre College and University of Pikeville, and connected with the public at Hillbilly Days to promote reproductive well-being and access to contraception in Eastern Kentucky.

Why Eastern Kentuckians Are Saying, "Thanks, Birth Control!": In celebration of #ThxBirthControl day, Eastern Kentuckians share why they appreciate their chosen contraceptive methods—from birth control pills and rings to condoms, IUDs, and implants. This post highlights the personal benefits of each method, emphasizing convenience, effectiveness, and individual health needs.

Barriers at the Counter: How Pharmacy Practices Impact Access to Contraception: This post highlights the challenges young people face accessing contraception and reproductive health products at pharmacies, especially due to “lock-up” devices that require asking staff to unlock items like Plan B, condoms, and pregnancy tests. These barriers can be embarrassing and discourage people from getting the care they need.

No Health Insurance Does NOT Mean No Birth Control!: This post introduces Nurx.com, an online service that provides affordable, discreet access to birth control, STI tests, and other sexual and reproductive health care—even for those without insurance. With licensed medical professionals available for consultations and prescriptions, Nurx delivers medications directly to your home.

10 Books on Abortion Rights You Need to Read: In recognition of National Read A Book Day and following Kentucky’s reinstatement of a near-total abortion ban, this post recommends ten impactful books on abortion rights. These works cover topics like the challenges of accessing abortion, personal stories, the social and political stakes, racial justice, and the consequences of restricting reproductive freedom.

How to Create an Emergency Reproductive Health Kit for Natural Disasters: Natural disasters can disrupt access to essential supplies, including reproductive health products. This post offers a checklist for preparing a reproductive health emergency kit, highlighting the importance of having birth control, emergency contraception, condoms, STI treatments, and other necessary supplies on hand.

Eastern Kentucky Flood Resources: The AAEKY team expresses deep sympathy for eastern Kentucky communities affected by catastrophic flooding, including the significant loss faced by their partner, Appalshop. We have a deep commitment to supporting the region during this crisis and beyond, sharing urgent needs for donations, supplies, and volunteers.

Community Asks: Post-Roe: We believe everyone deserves the right to make decisions about their body and future, so we’re working hard to support eastern Kentuckians now and beyond.

Our Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision: The US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending nearly 50 years of federal abortion rights and leaving states to decide their own laws. Kentucky’s trigger law now makes abortion mostly illegal, except to save the life of the pregnant person. The All Access EKY team stands with the community during this difficult time and is committed to supporting access to contraception and reproductive health resources.

4 Facts About Emergency Contraception: This post demystifies emergency contraception (EC), explaining the four types available—including pills and non-hormonal IUDs—and how they work. It clears up common myths by outlining key facts about access, safety, and effectiveness.

Out and Out: Finding Identity in Southwest Virginia: This blog highlights Jesse Frye’s short film Out and Out: Finding Identity in Southwest Virginia, created in collaboration with All Access EKY and the Appalachian Media Institute. The film explores the experiences of three LGBTQ+ individuals navigating identity, community, and acceptance in central Appalachia. In a Q&A, Jesse shares what inspired the project, his filmmaking journey, and the importance of inclusive sex education and visibility for queer Appalachians.

Witch Doctor: History of Witches in Connection to Reproductive Health: This blog explores the long and often dangerous history of birth control, tracing early contraceptive methods from ancient times to the present. It highlights how women historically used herbal remedies, rituals, and even toxic substances to gain control over their fertility—often at great personal risk.

The 6 P’s of a Sexual Health History: This blog highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive and inclusive sexual health history using the “6 P’s” framework: Partners, Practices, Protection, Past History, Pregnancy Desires, and Pleasure/Problems/Pride. It emphasizes the need for gender-inclusive conversations in healthcare, regardless of a patient’s gender identity, to support STI prevention, family planning, and overall well-being.

Why is it so Difficult for Young People in Appalachia to Access Birth Control?: This blog from explores the major barriers young people in Eastern Kentucky face when trying to access contraception—despite living in a region with high need. Based on feedback from a virtual focus group, challenges include limited clinic hours, lack of privacy in small towns, cost and insurance issues, social stigma, and inadequate sex education.

Importance of Sex Ed from a Sex Educator: This blog post, written by Kayla Lowe, a Health Promotion Specialist in Eastern Kentucky, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, age-appropriate, and medically accurate sex education in schools. Drawing from her experience teaching students across the region, Lowe emphasizes how sex education empowers young people to make informed decisions about their health, reduces risky behaviors, and opens the door to honest, judgment-free conversations

STI’s, Stay Education Ready: This blog post highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, inclusive, and medically accurate sex education in Kentucky, especially in light of the high rates of STIs among young people. It addresses the stigma surrounding STIs, the limitations of abstinence-only education, and the lack of state mandates requiring schools to teach about contraception.

Reproductive Health Connections: This personal blog post explores the unexpected connection between scoliosis and reproductive health. The author shares their journey of being diagnosed with scoliosis at age ten and how it impacted their physical, emotional, and reproductive well-being.

My Birth Control Story: This personal blog reflects on the author's middle school experience leading up to a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It highlights the confusion, stigma, and lack of communication surrounding reproductive health—especially the use of birth control for non-contraceptive reasons like managing PCOS symptoms.

The Story of the Mountains- Being Queer in Appalachia: This powerful personal essay by Codiac Wilson explores the experience of being queer and transgender in Appalachia. It highlights the region’s rich culture and natural beauty alongside the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including discrimination, stigma, and lack of acceptance—especially within family and religious communities.

How We’re Responding to COVID-19: At All Access EKY, we’re deeply concerned about how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting everyone’s health and safety—especially reproductive health. We understand that getting your birth control or other essential supplies might be harder right now. That’s why we want to remind you that you could qualify for up to a year’s supply of free birth control through BCBenefits, with easy telehealth access and mail delivery—no in-person visit needed. If you need condoms or emergency contraception, just send us a private message on our Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll do our best to get them to you. We’re here to support you during this uncertain time and every day after.