When emergency departments across central Kentucky began seeing an increase in suspected drug overdoses in September, the state’s overdose alert system detected the spike and triggered its alert dissemination process. The alert system, called the Kentucky Drug Overdose Alert System, or KDOAS, combines information from hospital and emergency medical services data so public health officials can detect overdose spikes and distribute warnings to local health departments, first responders, and community organizations.
A partnership between the University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health and UK HealthCare is giving public health students a front-row seat to the real-world challenges Kentuckians face outside of hospital walls. It’s also helping the health care system respond to new federal and state regulations requiring screening for social drivers of health.
National Injury Prevention Day, observed annually on November 18 and created by the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, shines a spotlight on the urgent need to prevent injuries and promote safety in every community. Across the nation, organizations unite on this day to share knowledge, resources and strategies that save lives.
Kentuckians experiencing food insecurity can access immediate, local assistance through FindHelpNowKY.org, an online tool that helps users quickly locate food, housing and other community resources by ZIP code or city.
The 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held Oct. 17 at The Carrick House in Lexington, was emceed by Dr. Keely Rees, Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Advancement, and drew more than 220 faculty, students, alumni, and community partners to honor five outstanding inductees.
