Behind the Blue

LEXINGTON, KY. (October 26, 2023) – In 2018, the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC), launched “Find Help Now KY”, a website that provides a near real-time treatment opening locator for substance use disorders.

The locator guides individuals to available treatment openings. It takes into consideration the substance(s) being used, payment options including commercial and public insurance programs, gender identity, preference for in- or out-patient treatment and needed co-occurring treatments such as mental health care, plus 30 more criteria. 

The site provides daily availability information for treatment openings, to enable rapid admission to addiction programs.

One of the biggest barriers to accessing treatment for substance use disorders can be the time it takes to find an open space in a treatment facility. By the time a clinician, family member or patient can find the right facility for their needs and navigate the insurance process, the bed in question may have been filled or the window of opportunity for recovery may have passed.

Based on the success of FindHelpNowKY.org, the team has expanded their offerings to a new site. After recognizing the need that many patients have for stable and secure housing during the recovery process, FindRecoveryHousingNowKY.org has launched to provide a guided search tool to help overcome barriers for people seeking treatment or recovery housing.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Leah Dick and Catherine Hines, research project managers with Find Help Now discuss the success the program has had since its inception, the growth it is experiencing with expansion into recovery housing assistance, and how the program is moving into the future as a leader for other states looking to model their efforts.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page. 

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 19, 2023) – The University of Kentucky Alumni Association started the Great Teacher Award program in 1961 to honor excellent teaching at the university. There have been more than 300 teachers honored since that first year. Nominations may only be submitted by current students.

To receive the award, a candidate must: •      

• Hold the rank of full-time lecturer or above and have been a member of the faculty for the past three years at UK.
• Have superior knowledge of the subject matter.
• Have original and innovative classroom presentations.
• Demonstrate concern for students, both inside and outside the classroom setting.
• Not have been a recipient of the award for the past 10 years.

A committee of the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors and a representative from the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa select the recipients based on objective rating and ranking of the eligible nominations submitted.

This episode of Behind the Blue spotlights one of the six 2023 Great Teacher Award winners. University of Kentucky Alumni Chair Professor of Chemical and Materials Engineering Dibakar Bhattacharyya is also the director of the UK Center of Membrane Sciences. In addition, he is a co-principal investigator of the UK National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program and is renowned for his research on membranes for filtering and producing clean water. Bhattacharyya, universally known as “DB,” has been an educator for more than 50 years at UK.

With its enormous amount of environmental research activity with students and recent extension to virus aerosol decontamination area, UK has received extensive international recognition, and Bhattacharyya’s students have as well. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the North American Membrane Society. He previously won the Great Teacher Award in 1984, 1996 and 2008, and he is the 2021 recipient of the SEC Outstanding Faculty Achievement Award.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 12, 2023) – College students today are juggling an array of challenges, from coursework, relationships and adjustment to campus life to economic strain, social injustice and mass violence. As these challenges increase, so does the data on mental health in college students. 

During the 2020–2021 school year, the CDC collected data from 373 college campuses nationwide. They found that more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem. As a result, school leaders are starting to think outside the box about how to best support students' mental well-being.

In honor of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, UKNow interviewed Kimberly Rufra, director of Prevention, Outreach, and Wellness Education Resources (POWER), to discuss all things mental well-being on the University of Kentucky’s campus.

A Kentucky Native, Rufra believes that we all share a collective responsibility in advancing the mental well-being of our students.

“Throughout my journey, I have worked closely with students, which has deepened my understanding of their needs and further fueled my commitment to their holistic well-being,” said Rufra. “While many institutions provide well-being support for their students, the newly expanded Student Well-Being area at UK is a model many are trying to replicate. The opportunity to serve as the inaugural director for POWER is an honor.”

POWER, housed in the Office of Student Success aims to provide accessible educational opportunities to promote healthy behaviors among students. They offer programs and resources to support students in managing stress, substance misuse, sexual health, sleep and mental health. Their goal is to be a one-stop location for all wellness needs.

“Our commitment to supporting students at every stage of their college experience is rooted in our desire to ensure their well-being and overall success,” said Rufra. “Mental illness can profoundly affect not only a person's mental and emotional state but also their physical health, social connections and livelihoods. Through initiatives like World Mental Health Day and similar observances, the University of Kentucky actively engages in several actions.”

 These include:

1. Promoting Prevention: We are committed to preventing mental health issues through awareness and proactive measures.
2. Raising Awareness: We strive to increase understanding and knowledge about mental health to reduce stigma and misconceptions.
3. Reducing Stigma: We work diligently to break down the barriers of stigma associated with mental health, fostering an environment where people can seek help without fear or judgment.
4. Providing Support: Our focus is on offering support and resources to those in need, ensuring that no one faces mental health challenges alone.
5. Training and Education: We prioritize the training and education of our community to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to support one another effectively.
6. Showcasing Coordinated Efforts: We are dedicated to demonstrating a unified front in addressing mental health issues, highlighting the collaborative efforts of various campus units and individuals.
7. Recognizing Valuable Contributions: We acknowledge and honor those who play a crucial role in supporting our students and the overall well-being of the university community.

World Mental Health Day serves as an incredible opportunity for people and communities to unite behind this year’s theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health.

While this day comes once every year, the university strives to prioritize mental health year-round and well into the future through units on campus like POWER.

“My vision for POWER is to establish ourselves as the go-to, reliable resource for health and well-being prevention matters,” said Rufra. “We aim to provide first-rate training on pertinent topics and aspire to set the standard that others in the SEC and higher education institutions seek to emulate. Our goal is to become a model for well-being and student prevention at the University of Kentucky, ensuring the implementation and revisions of our strategic plan as needed. Most importantly, we are committed to fulfilling our duty to empower members of the community with the skills to enhance their well-being.”

To learn more about Kim Rufra’s journey to UK, well-being resources on campus and how she will lead POWER into the future, listen to the Behind the Blue Above.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of "Behind the Blue" can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 5, 2023) – For over 100 years, the University of Kentucky has celebrated Homecoming week, an opportunity for students and alumni to continue the tradition of what it means to be a Wildcat. The UK Alumni Association, Student Organizations and Activities, Black Student Union, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Student Activities Board, the Office for Student Success and many other groups have been working hard to make Homecoming week a special time in the lives of students, alumni and all who participate.

 The UK Alumni Association will also welcome the Golden Wildcats from the Class of 1973 for a variety of 50th reunion activities. A full list of Golden Wildcat Society reunion activities and registration information can be found on the UK Alumni Association’s website.

 From Oct. 10-13, there are events for all members of the UK community leading up to the Homecoming football game against Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 14. The Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon, DanceBlue Silent Auction, and National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show are just a few of the annual events that lead into Homecoming weekend, a special tradition on UK’s campus since 1915.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, UK Alumni Association Executive Director Jill Smith and this year’s Alumni Association President Janie McKenzie-Wells, highlight some of the events of Homecoming week, the overall mission and worldwide reach of the Alumni Association, how students and alumni can get involved, and more, including the unveiling of Alumni Commons, the newest community area at the heart of campus.

 ‘Behind the Blue’ is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

 For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

 To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 28, 2023) – Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Dr. Greg Davis came to UK in 1976 as an English major, with the intent of becoming a teacher. But after taking a job as a nursing assistant to help pay the bills, Dr. Davis discovered he had a knack for medicine. After earning a medical degree in Tennessee, he quickly returned to UK and Kentucky – his home away from home – for post-graduate training. 

Davis’ training led him into forensic pathology, a field of medicine that focuses on determining the cause of death through post-mortem examinations and autopsies. In this episode of ‘Behind the Blue,’ Dr. Davis takes us through the journey of his career, from serving as medical examiner for the state, launching UK’s successful Division of Forensic Consultation Service, and becoming a media personality through his WUKY radio show, “Dr. Greg Davis on Medicine.”

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page. 

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 21, 2023) – With a new semester underway, the University of Kentucky is empowering the campus community to learn more about their rights and responsibilities.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take a moment and review the recently updated Code of Student Conduct, which outlines the expectations and standards that uphold the UK community — both on and off campus.

The Office of Student Conduct is responsible for ensuring students alleged of policy violations are afforded a fair process — in which they can share their side and are made aware of decisions regarding their disciplinary standard. 

The code is an important tool in protecting student rights, including due process, and affirming student responsibilities. It upholds the standards of conduct and institutional values expected of UK students and promotes a safe, healthy and inclusive community.

Every five years, the university conducts a standard review of this code as required by Administrative Regulation 4:10. A committee – comprised of the Office for Student Success, legal counsel and student and faculty representatives – convened last June for this purpose.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Libby Hogan, UK’s director of Student Conduct talks with Dean of Students Trisha Clement-Montgomery about the importance of the code, why changes were necessary, and the efforts the Office of Student Conduct makes to help students understand and navigate their rights within the campus community.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 14, 2023) – With more than two dozen units across campus, the UK Office for Student Success is tasked with not only facilitating excellent classroom experiences, but also with providing support for students across four primary areas: academic preparation, mental and physical wellbeing, financial stability, and belonging and community.

UK's Vice President for Student Success Kirsten Turner says this “scaffolding” is all part of a larger philosophy to prepare students for lives of meaning and purpose upon leaving the university.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Turner talks about a variety of efforts her office is engaged in to help meet those needs for students with programs like UK Invests, which provides an investment account opportunity for all UK students, along with helping bring to life the Explore First program, which saw 60 first-generation UK students take part this summer in an integrated global learning experience in Dublin, Ireland and London, England.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 7, 2023) – For many first-generation students, overcoming fears are an ever-present part of their college experience. From visiting campuses, to complicated admissions, to making new friends, to leaving home, the uncertainty that can come with every step in the process can be a daunting challenge.

This past summer, 60 first-generation University of Kentucky students embraced their fears and expanded their horizons on a program that many called “life changing.”

Explore First: Careers, Cultures and Connections (Explore First), an education abroad opportunity developed by UK’s International Center and the Office for Student Success, is an integrated global learning experience with curricular and co-curricular elements. It is focused on career readiness with meaningful connections between academic attainment and post-graduation success. The experience is designed and implemented intentionally to equip and empower first-generation students who have made the bold decision to study abroad. 

The Explore First program expands access to education abroad opportunities. During the program’s launch in summer 2023, four cohorts of 15 first-generation students embarked on a three-week education abroad program to either London, England, or Dublin, Ireland, with little cost to the student. Students developed transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, independence and self-efficacy. Students completed and earned credit hours through a course that enhanced their career readiness skills. 

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Kody Kiser and Tiana Thé from UK Strategic Communications converse with two of the administrators who helped develop the program: Executive Director of Education Abroad & Exchanges Niamh Larson, and Associate Provost for Internationalization Sue Roberts. They discuss how this pilot Explore First program may lead to greater opportunities for first-generation students, the continued importance of UK being an international destination for educational opportunities, the impact education abroad has on students as well as their families, and more.

On next week's 'Behind the Blue', UK's Vice President for Student Success Kirsten Turner joins the podcast to discuss the part her office played in helping Explore First become a reality, as well as the other efforts they're putting forth to provide foundational support to all of our students.”

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 31, 2023) – The University of Kentucky Alumni Association started the Great Teacher Award program in 1961 to honor excellent teaching at the university. There have been more than 300 teachers honored since that first year. Nominations may only be submitted by current students.

To receive the award, a candidate must:

• Hold the rank of full-time lecturer or above and have been a member of the faculty for the past three years at UK.
• Have superior knowledge of the subject matter.
• Have original and innovative classroom presentations.
• Demonstrate concern for students, both inside and outside the classroom setting.
• Not have been a recipient of the award for the past 10 years.

•       A committee of the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors and a representative from the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa select the recipients based on objective rating and ranking of the eligible nominations submitted.

This episode of Behind the Blue spotlights one of the six 2023 Great Teacher Award winners. Jennifer Bird-Pollan is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the Judge William T. Lafferty Professor of Law in the UK Rosenberg College of Law. She teaches courses across the tax law curriculum and her research lies at the intersection of tax law and philosophy, specifically regarding the taxation of wealth transfers and issues of sovereignty in international taxation.

Bird-Pollan earned her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Prior to coming to UK, she practiced law in the tax department of Ropes & Gray in Boston. She won the College of Law Duncan Teaching Award in 2017 and was recognized by the Women’s Law Caucus as the Outstanding Faculty Member in 2014 and 2022. From 2014-2015, she served as the Fulbright Visiting Professor at the Vienna University of Business and Economics in Vienna, Austria.

Bird-Pollan serves as the faculty advisor to the Tax Law Society and the Women’s Law Caucus. From 2018-2020, she served as Chair of the University Senate Council at UK.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 24, 2023) – Once again setting a record for first-year enrollment, the University of Kentucky is beginning its fall 2023 semester. With more than 6,000 new students beginning their college careers, UK’s mission of teaching, research, service and health care is more expansive, and more critical to advancing Kentucky, than ever.

Entering his 13th year of overseeing the Commonwealth’s flagship and land-grant research university, Dr. Eli Capilouto talks with UK’s Amy Timoney about his outlook and optimism for the new school year, the foundational goals that are needed for student success, the issues and challenges the university must come together to face, and more.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show’s blog page. 

To discover what’s wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.