Publications, Presentations, and Research
Kay is a published scholar and researcher. Below are links to her published academic works and articles
Publication with the Journal of Equity and Behavioral Health Therapy
Abstract
This research explores the ongoing sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic within African American communities. It seeks to trace epidemiological, historical, and sociocultural roots of care delivery. The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) including poverty, healthcare accessibility, stigma, and systemic forms of discrimination. Parallels between historic contributions within the field of healthcare to the current pandemic rates of infection within the community are presented. The author centers the field of Social Work as a needed sector of engagement. The author desires for the implementation of the Social Work skillsets of resource brokering, harm reduction, and engaging ethical care models. Historical trauma is discussed with emphasis on the reproductive exploitation during slavery and unethical medical experiments. The importance of culturally grounded, and interdisciplinary interventions are presented as models useful to rebuild trust and promote equitable care within the scope of sexually transmitted infections within African American populations.
Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, historical trauma, sexually transmitted infections, culturally responsive interventions
APA Citation: Estes, K. (2025). Working Title: STI Disparities and Social Work: A scoping review of historic disease prevention models within African American Communities. The Journal of Equity in Behavioral Health Therapy, 2(1). Retrieved from https://journals.auctr.edu/index.php/jebht/article/view/2771
Website Link: https://journals.auctr.edu/index.php/jebht/article/view/2771
American Library Association
As part of the American Library Association’s Health Equity in Action Virtual Summit, I presented “Data Governance and Digital Infrastructure for Addressing Contraceptive Care Deserts.” The presentation explores how ethical data governance, digital health infrastructure, and accessible information systems can help identify gaps in contraceptive care and support more equitable, community-informed reproductive health solutions.
View the full presentation | Explore the ALA Health Equity in Action Summit
Publication with the Reflections Journal
Abstract
This narrative analysis examines the professional, ethical, and structural challenges of delivering reproductive healthcare in the United States following Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Drawing on clinical experience, policy analysis, public health literature, and RStudio analysis of the 2022–2023 National Survey of Family Growth, I explore how the post-Dobbs landscape has reshaped clinical practice and access to essential services. Grounded in social determinants of health and reproductive justice frameworks, my article examines contraceptive care deserts, digital misinformation, insurance barriers, and restrictive policies as interconnected threats to reproductive autonomy, with disproportionate consequences for marginalized populations. It identifies digital health literacy as an increasingly important determinant of reproductive health and calls for a coordinated response encompassing legislative advocacy, digital care navigation, interdisciplinary partnerships, and systems-level reform. Within, I urge social workers and other helping professionals to strengthen ethical, equitable, and accessible reproductive healthcare within an evolving policy landscape.
Keywords: contraceptive deserts, health, accessibility, digital, social determinants of health
APA Citation: Estes, K. (2026). Delivering Accessible Reproductive Care in a Post-Dobbs Era: A Social Worker’s Narrative on Policy, Ethics, and Practice. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 32(2), 83–89. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2287
Website Link: https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2287
At the 2026 Emory Midtown Birthing Expo, Kaylisa Estes was invited to speak to audience members regarding the warning signs of Post Partum Depression (PPD). Kay provided education surrounding PPD, including its risk factors, warning signs, and the importance of early intervention. The informational graphic featured here was developed by Kay in order to help parents, families, and community members recognize concerning symptoms and identify resources for professional and emergency support.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. Please use the contact form on our page for future collaborations and opportunities.