Success StoryRoundtable Discussion with US Rep. Guthrie



Roundtable Discussion with US Rep. Guthrie

Author: Alexander Elswick

Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences

Major Program: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Since the synthetic opioid fentanyl was first identified in the drug supply in 2014, fatal opioid overdoses have more than doubled in the US and in Kentucky (Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, 2023). Drug-related morbidity and mortality have continued to increase as the drug supply has been further contaminated by sedatives such as xylazine.  This third wave of the Opioid Epidemic has brought with it the need to consider new alternatives to prevent drug-related harm.  In response, US Representative Brett Guthrie R-KY invited experts from across the state to participate in a roundtable discussion on novel approaches.  

A dozen key Kentucky leaders and stakeholders were invited to participate.  As a critical statewide partner, UK CES was invited to provide a research-informed perspective on strategies related to prevention, recovery, and harm reduction.  We took advantage of this opportunity to underscore the importance of building recovery capital and the myriad trans-disciplinary ways in which UK CES collaborates with community partners to achieve that end.  Rep. Guthrie acknowledged the pivotal role that UK CES plays in bringing evidence-based information to affect policy, systems, and environmental changes.  As a result of UK CES participation in this roundtable discussion, Rep. Guthrie stated that he intends to marshal more resources to support harm reduction and building recovery capital.






Stories by Alexander Elswick


Judges' College

about 2 years ago by Alexander Elswick

In 2021, overdose deaths surged to more than 100,000 drug poisonings in a single calendar year, mark... Read More


Stories by Family and Consumer Sciences


Spreading the Word About SNAP-Ed

Spreading the Word About SNAP-Ed

about 2 years ago by LaToya Drake

The Cooperative Extension Service is known in some circles as “ the best-kept secret.” The Extension... Read More


Discovering The Kentucky Farm to School Hub

Discovering The Kentucky Farm to School Hub

about 2 years ago by LaToya Drake

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program has worked with... Read More