Kentucky Health Plans Donates $100,000 to Imagination Library

The Kentucky Association of Health Plans (KAHP) has donated $100,000 to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky, a program that provides free books to children from birth to age five across the state. Announced at an event in Frankfort, First Lady Britainy Beshear highlighted the donation's importance in supporting early childhood literacy, which is linked to better health and educational outcomes. The Imagination Library sends age-appropriate books monthly, ensuring children develop key literacy skills before entering kindergarten. KAHP's vice president, Katherine North, emphasized the connection between literacy and reduced anxiety and depression in children. Since its inception, the program has reached over 120,000 Kentucky children, helping them cultivate a love for reading. The initiative reinforces the significance of investing in early literacy to yield long-term benefits for both individuals and the community.