Union College assisting UK HEALing Communities Study to address opioid epidemic

Maisie Nelson • November 2, 2022

Union College is playing a role in the largest research grant ever received by the University of Kentucky.


The project is through NIH's HEALing (Helping End Addiction Long Term) Communities Study, a four-year, $87 million study aimed at reducing opioid overdose deaths by 40 percent. The randomized study includes 16 Kentucky counties impacted by opioid overdoses and is broken down into two waves of eight counties each. WAVE 1, which includes Boyd, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Kenton, and Madison counties, was launched in 2020.


The second wave of the study, WAVE 2, was launched in Bourbon, Campbell, Carter, Greenup, Jefferson, Jessamine, Knox, and Mason counties on July 1 and runs to December 31, 2023. Through the HCS intervention, communities will implement evidence-based recovery, treatment, and prevention strategies proven to reduce opioid overdose deaths.


"Establishing strong partnerships with local institutions, opinion leaders, and stakeholders is at the core of the HEALing Communities Study," says Knox County HCS faculty lead Dr. Hilary Surratt. "We are fortunate to be partnering with Knox County and have convened a strong coalition of committed stakeholders, chaired by Jake Knuckles, Assistant Chief, who are leading the selection of evidence-based practices to reduce opioid overdose deaths in Knox County. It is difficult to adequately express our gratitude to the coalition for their effort and commitment to this important work."


Union College Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Marisa Greer is a coalition member. Their goal is to expand access to evidence-based practices to reduce opioid overdose deaths, including medication treatment for opioid use disorder, overdose prevention education, distribution of the overdose reversal drug naloxone, and reducing risky prescribing.


"Union College continues our commitment to our community and region by partnering with the UK HEALing Communities Study to assist with outreach and programming to reduce opioid overdose deaths," said Greer. "This partnership directly impacts the lives of those living and working in our community through community education and training sessions for healthcare providers offered through the study."


Additionally, Union College supplies office space for the UK HEALing Communities team and rooms for all meetings associated with the study, including evening and weekend programming.


"Through WAVE 2, the HEALing Communities Study will bring life-changing outreach and access to treatment to thousands of Kentuckians," said HCS principal investigator Sharon Walsh, Ph.D., a professor in UK's College of Medicine and College of Pharmacy and director for the Center on Drug and Alcohol Research. "The intervention will also help us better understand what's needed in each community and where to focus and ramp up efforts to best support individuals to reduce opioid overdose deaths. What we learn will create sustainable solutions for the opioid epidemic in Kentucky that can also be replicated in communities throughout the nation."


Rooted in the Union College mission is a commitment to serve the community. Once the study concludes, the College hopes to utilize its nursing and psychology programs to keep the momentum going on this initiative and help the community heal from the opioid crisis.

UCU Announces Next Round of “50 Under 50” Honorees

By Maisie Nelson • June 25, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities.
Bill and Merrill Davies with the Union Mascot, Mack the Bulldog.

Bill & Merrill Davies — A Union of Service & Learning

By David Saylor • June 24, 2025
William “Bill” Davies ’66 and Merrill Johnson Davies ’64 were brought together by their education at Union College and their Baptist faith in 1962. Since then, they have built a lasting legacy of service, learning, and community impact — one that has spanned more than 56 years of marriage.

UCU Celebrates Barbourville High School Seniors with Over $88,000 in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 13, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at Union. Together, these students have been awarded more than $88,000 in scholarships as part of the university’s commitment to supporting local talent and making higher education more accessible.
Lynn and Amanda with Union's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on Union's campus.

Lynn Smith & Amanda Hensely — Like Mother, Like Daughter

By Rachel Dorroh • June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of Union Commonwealth University. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three Union degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.

Summer Brings Improvements and Guests to Union’s Campus

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.

Eight Bell County Seniors Commit to UCU, Over $190,000 Awarded in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.

Union Offers Free Swim Days for Local Youth This June

By Maisie Nelson • June 2, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.
Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.

The Rev. David Miller retires after 21 years of ministry at UCU

By Rachel Dorroh • May 30, 2025
After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.

Union Celebrates Another Ten Honorees in its “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • May 27, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.
Leadership Tri-County class of 2025 with Andra Butler and Tori Doyle standing at the far right end.

The essence of leadership at UCU

By David Saylor • May 22, 2025
Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.
More Posts