Kentucky Regional Extension Center

Are you and/or your organization part of the CMS Quality Payment Program? Kentucky REC Expert Advisors created an on-demand webinar going over the changes for 2025! Watch now to know what this year requires in the QPP. https://lnkd.in/g253Y3rC

Register Today for Kentucky REC's first public webinar of 2025! Follow our quality and value experts as they explain the changes to the CMS Quality Payment Program (QPP) and how it can affect your healthcare organization in 2025 and beyond.

As the year draws to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our community, partners, and supporters. Your commitment and collaboration have helped us accomplish so much, and we look forward to a new year filled with even more possibilities. May your season be filled with warmth, joy, and moments of rest. Here’s to a wonderful holiday season and a bright new year ahead! Happy Holidays! ???

As we approach the new year, it’s important to recognize the power of social connection in maintaining our overall health. Loneliness is on the rise, but investing in relationships can have a profound impact on both mental and physical well-being. Here's how to enhance your social connections: ?? Value Social Connections: Regular interactions with others strengthen relationships and improve well-being. ?? Invest in Relationships: Spend quality time with loved ones and reach out daily to those who matter most. ?? Be Present: Avoid distractions and focus on building deeper connections during conversations. ?? Serve Others: Support family, friends, and your community to nurture meaningful bonds. ?? Join Social Groups: Engage in clubs, religious groups, or community organizations to find belonging. ?? Seek Support: If you're feeling isolated, reach out to a counselor or loved one, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Fostering these connections is key to a healthier, more fulfilling year ahead. #SocialConnection #MentalHealth #Wellness #Relationships #NewYear https://lnkd.in/gPnECC9n

?? Support Your Mental Well-being Amid Holiday Stress ?? The holidays can be joyful yet sometimes overwhelming. To balance the excitement, prioritize your mental wellness and keep self-care routines in place: ?? Maintain Boundaries: It’s okay to take breaks or set limits to protect your energy. Recharge when you need to. ?? Be Present: Enjoy each moment instead of stressing over perfection. The holidays are about connection, not perfection. ?? Stay Active: A short walk after a meal can reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being. ?? Prioritize self-care and make space for yourself amidst the holiday hustle. Your mental wellness is just as important as the festivities! By practicing gratitude and fostering social connections, small actions can create meaningful improvements in both mental and physical health. Let’s connect, reflect, and support one another this holiday season and beyond. Together, we can thrive. Happy Holidays! ?? #MentalWellness #SelfCare #Gratitude #HolidaySeason #StressRelief #SocialConnection https://lnkd.in/gPnECC9n

?? Take the 5-for-5 Connection Challenge! ?? This holiday season, join the U.S. Surgeon General’s 5-for-5 Connection Challenge to strengthen relationships and boost your well-being: ?? Commit to Connect: Choose 5 actions to connect with others for 5 consecutive days. ?? Connect Each Day: Take one simple action each day—send a message, offer support, or ask for help. ?? Reflect and Share: After completing the challenge, reflect on how connecting made you feel and share your experience to inspire others. Let’s make meaningful connections and build stronger, more supportive relationships this season! #5for5Challenge #SocialConnection #MentalHealth #HolidaySeason #Wellness https://lnkd.in/gPnECC9n

Embrace simple gratitude practices this holiday season to cultivate joy and positivity: ?? Daily Reflection: Take a moment each day to write down three things you’re grateful for. This can help set a positive tone, even on hectic days. ?? Gratitude Jar: Encourage family members to jot down things they’re thankful for on small notes and add them to a jar. On a special day, open the notes together to reflect on moments of gratitude. ?? Mindful Moments: When feeling stressed, pause and take a moment to appreciate something small—whether it’s a cozy cup of tea, a warm blanket, or just a few minutes of quiet. ?? Volunteer: Giving time to a cause or charity can amplify your sense of gratitude and positively impact others. ?? Check-In with Friends & Family: Sometimes, simply reaching out to loved ones can help you feel more connected and grateful. Small actions can make a big difference in your holiday mindset. #Gratitude #HolidaySeason #PositiveThinking #Wellness https://lnkd.in/eWTtx6QC

?? Giving Thanks ?? As we approach Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to reflect on what we're grateful for – our incredible team, partners, and community who work alongside us to make an impact every day. Your dedication, hard work, and passion make all the difference, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to support each other and grow together. This season, let’s celebrate the people and partnerships that uplift and inspire us. We’re grateful for each of you and wish you a season filled with warmth, connection, and gratitude.

????Holiday Listening Alert!???? Take a break from the holiday hustle and tune in to our podcast for insightful discussions that keep you informed and inspired. Whether you're relaxing at home or on the road, we’ve got episodes to keep you company this season. ???Listen now?and stay connected:?https://lnkd.in/emEDAktA

?? New CMS Mandatory Payment Model: TEAM ?? Starting January 1, 2026, the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) will roll out for acute care hospitals in selected areas, including several in Kentucky: Bowling Green, Corbin, Glasgow, Lexington-Fayette, and Middlesboro. This 5-year project focuses on episode-based payments for procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting and joint replacements. Want to know how this impacts your organization? Our latest blog dives into key details: episodes of care, timelines, financial risks, and equity initiatives. ?? Check out the blog for insights and resources to help you prepare: Learn More Here: https://lnkd.in/e56VKms3