Research News & Highlights
Fighting the Scourge of Opioid Abuse, Fostering a Healthier Future for Kentucky
This week, University of Kentucky physicians, researchers and leaders working to find solutions in the fight against prescription drug abuse are in Atlanta for the 2018 National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit. The Summit is the largest collaboration of federal, state and local professionals in the country for leaders who are seeking solutions in the fight against prescription drug abuse. It includes more than 2,500 researchers, advocates, policymakers and law enforcement officials. Addiction, like any cancer of the body or society, can afflict anyone. It knows no gender or race,... more
PATHways and Beyond Birth Success Story
Bethany Wilson shares her story about substance abuse to encourage others. The Beyond Birth Comprehensive Recovery Clinic at the University of Kentucky, a clinic for women with substance use disorders who have recently given birth, is moving to a new facility on the Eastern State Hospital campus. The move will expand and increase access to evidence-based and comprehensive treatment for more patients through a partnership between UK, UK College of Nursing, UK HealthCare and the State Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The program incorporates educational groups, individual... more
Assistant Professor Among UK Faculty to Receive $87 Million to Lead Effort in Combating Nation's Opioid Epidemic
In the largest grant ever awarded to the University of Kentucky, researchers from UK's Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR) and across campus — in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet (JPSC) — will lead a project as part of the HEALing Communities study. Amanda Fallin-Bennett, PhD, RN, assistant professor at the College of Nursing, will lead the implementation and evaluation of the recovery support services in 16 KY counties highly impacted by the opioid crisis. As the... more
College of Nursing Celebration of Excellence Awards 2019
On Tuesday, May 7, the College of Nursing held its annual Celebration of Excellence Awards to recognize faculty, staff and clinical partners who've gone above and beyond the last academic year. The College also celebrated Dr. Carol Thompson, assistant dean of MSN & DNP Program Studies, who will retire this summer. Thank you Dr. Thompson for your years of service to develop the next generation of nurses! View photos here. Louise J. Zegeer Award – Dr. Jennifer Dent Gloe L. Bertram Award – James Hayhurst Employee of the Year – Kathy Collins... more
‘SOTC’: Beyond Birth Program Helps Recovering Moms And Their Children
LEX 18’s “State of the Commonwealth” took a look at one often forgotten group in the ongoing opioid epidemic: women trying to overcome substance abuse while caring for newborns and young children. In many communities, there are programs for those women while they are pregnant, but finding help for moms and their children afterward is not always easy. Lexington is an exception on that note. The University of Kentucky’s College of Nursing has created a ground-breaking program: the Beyond Birth Comprehensive Recovery Center. Five years ago, Holly Dye and... more
Dr. Amanda Fallin-Bennett Receives 2019 Vernon Johnson Award from Faces & Voices of Recovery
Amanda Fallin-Bennett, PhD, RN, assistant professor, was honored with the 2019 Vernon Johnson Award from Faces & Voices of Recovery at the annual America Honors Recovery Awards Gala & Dinner on June 17, 2019. America Honors Recovery is Faces & Voices of Recovery's annual awards gala which celebrates and honors the most influential recovery community leaders and organizations. The event salutes the life and legacies of four dynamic recovery trailblazers who have dedicated their lives to removing barriers for individuals and families affected by addiction -... more
Dr. Kristin Ashford Receives SEC Faculty Achievement Award
Kristin Ashford, PhD, professor and associate dean in the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, will be presented with the prestigious Southeastern Conference (SEC) Faculty Achievement Award. The SEC Faculty Achievement recognizes faculty from SEC universities with outstanding records in teaching and scholarship. Dr. Ashford is a professor and a women’s health nurse practitioner in the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. A fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Ashford’s research focuses on improving health for pregnant and postpartum women... more
Dr. Kristin Ashford Selected as FNINR Ambassador
The Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research (FNINR) are pleased to announce the selection of Kristin Ashford, PhD, APRN-BC, FAAN, associate dean of Undergraduate Faculty and Interprofessional Education Affairs, one of five nurse scientists to join the fourth cohort of Ambassadors. This unique advocacy program began in 2014 and has grown to include over 30 Ambassadors. The 2019 selection includes five nurse scientists to join the ranks of others currently filling this role. Ambassadors are selected from a national pool of applicants based on... more
Beyond Birth Program Moves to New Location, Expands Services for Mothers with Opioid Addiction
Bethany Wilson's doctors told her family it was time to say goodbye. In 2014, after three years of active addiction and a heart valve replacement to treat endocarditis, there was nothing more they could do. "I had endocarditis, septicemia, liver and kidney failure and triple pneumonia," said Wilson. "I had suffered a stroke, I was in septic shock and I had suffered multiple seizures." Her parents didn't want their daughter's struggle with addiction – and their struggle in helping her – to be in vain so they took a photo of... more