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.