By Sally McMahon The University of Kentucky’s (UK) Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (known as CDAR) conducts research on numerous aspects of substance abuse and related behavior, including intimate violence, criminal justice settings and characteristics of rural substance use. CDAR has a history of providing training on evidence-based treatment, intervention and prevention approaches, as…
Thinking strategically about end-of-life care
By Turner West The perennial growth in Medicare Advantage enrollment and the emergence of value-based initiatives and new payment models in traditional Medicare creates stronger incentives for efficient use of healthcare services. In the context of serious illness care there are myriad opportunities to both improve patient experience and reduce healthcare expenditures by diminishing non-beneficial…
A quest for new therapeutics
By Sally McMahon Linda Dwoskin, PhD, professor and associate dean of research at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, is leading research on methamphetamine use disorder and working to develop a medication to treat the disorder. We talked to Dwoskin recently about what it takes to develop treatment options and how she works with…
COVID-19: Kentucky’s healthcare sector responds to pandemic
By Ben Keeton The COVID-19 crisis has hit Kentucky, shuttering many businesses and disrupting the way of life for millions of Kentuckians. Healthcare facilities, providers and companies across the commonwealth are on the frontline of this battle. Their response is saving lives, flattening the curve and assuring Kentuckians that we will be able to get…
Don Rogers with New Vista discusses trends in the behavioral health community
Behavioral health organizations are changing to meet the increasing need for behavioral health services, with more emphasis on person centered approaches and outcome driven services. We spoke to Don Rogers, chief clinical officer at New Vista. New Vista assists individuals and families in the enhancement of their emotional, mental and physical well-being by providing behavioral…
Overcoming loneliness together
By Sara Stevenson With a focus on improving health outcomes in the communities it serves, Humana is in lockstep with medical, policy and grass roots professionals addressing social determinants of health. At the forefront of Humana’s work is research and understanding of loneliness. Loneliness is the quality of relationships within a person’s network and their…