OneNKY Health: A Breath of Fresh Air
It is our goal to be a national leader in health outcomes, addressing a range of physical and community health needs. From worker safety and lowered youth smoking rates – cigarette and e-cigarette (vape) – to active outdoor lifestyles and stronger mental health systems and services resulting in dynamic community vibrancy. We focus on systemic changes via policy and infrastructure enhancements.
Two major initiatives underpin our OneNKY Health efforts to date: Breathe Easy NKY a smoke-free ordinance coalition), and the OneNKY Connector Trail (connecting existing trail infrastructure and regional focal points).
NKY needs to be smoke-free! The health and prosperity of our residents, future talent and growth efforts are at stake. Breathe Easy NKY is a coalition initiative seeking to create new opportunities for ongoing discussions about smoke-free initiatives by educating policymakers, zoning commissioners, and other influential bodies. We aim to tackle the vape epidemic by implementing zoning regulations for vape shops and tobacco retailers, thereby limiting youth access to harmful e-cigarettes. Furthermore, adopting a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance in all public spaces and workplaces across Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties will not only improve community health but also reduce healthcare costs and lessen the tax burden on residents.
A comprehensive smoke-free ordinance prohibits smoking and vaping in all indoor workplaces and public places. Unfortunately, Kentucky is one of 12 states in the country not yet smoke-free. Although the smoking rate in the United States has halved over the past 50 years, tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in Northern Kentucky. This issue poses significant challenges for our children, the local workforce, healthcare system, and economic growth.
Coalition Partners
OneNKY Alliance serves as the fiduciary for the Breathe Easy NKY effort, working across Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties with coalition partners, including:
NKY Smoke-Free Ordinances
Thanks to the leadership of their elected officials, Dayton (Effective November 6, 2022), Bellevue (Effective May 15, 2023), and Highland Heights (Effective Sept. 2023) Kentucky, adopted smoke-free ordinances, leading the way for other NKY cities and counties with policy features including:
We invite you to support expansion to the whole OneNKY Community!
Breathe Easy Goals
Improve public health, economic outlook, and the overall quality of life through comprehensive smoke-free ordinances across Northern Kentucky
Why Support Change?
OneNKY Connector Trail
A healthy OneNKY is an active OneNKY. Our natural beauty and built environment invite us to get outside and be active. The OneNKY Connector Trail will connect existing trail infrastructure and regional focal points to foster a culture of wellness, enhance multimodal transit, and highlight Northern Kentucky’s natural assets. It will facilitate activity and amplify the amazing bike and walking infrastructure built and under development- both paved and natural courses.
The OneNKY Connector Trail aims to create a vibrant gateway for Northern Kentucky while fostering regional unity through the collaborative development of a cross-jurisdictional trail project.
Spanning 31 miles, the trail will connect multiple cities—Covington, Newport, Ludlow, Erlanger, Fort Thomas, Bellevue, and Dayton—across Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties, encouraging healthier living and multimodal transit options. By linking existing bike trails and notable sites, the Connector will establish an impressive network that enhances accessibility and community vibrancy. Marked points of interest will guide both cyclists and pedestrians, while dedicated “OneNKY hubs” will provide seating and amenities, featuring public art to enrich the experience.
OneNKY Alliance is partnering with key trail experts Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance (CORA) and Tri-STATE Trails, together with cities, counties, and strategic partners to develop this region-wide trail that will benefit residents, visitors, and new talent alike.
The OneNKY Connector Trail is funded by OneNKY Alliance member companies and community donors including
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