UK CON BH WELL

The University of Kentucky College of Nursing's Behavioral Health Wellness Environments for Living & Learning (BH WELL) Center exists to advance behavioral health nursing research, education, clinical care, & evidence-based practice programs in healthcare and education settings.

Stopping tobacco use is linked to reduced anxiety, depression, and stress. Learn more: ow.ly/LJPn50YEuML #MentalHealth #TobaccoTreatment Image: Blue graphic stating that stopping tobacco use is associated with positive effects on recovery and mental health benefits.

Higher spirituality was linked to greater happiness in haemodialysis patients, partly through positive life attitudes & growth. #MentalHealth Learn more: ow.ly/26lk50YEw4C Image: Silhouette with hands raised in a prayer-like pose with a sunrise and “New Research” text.

The BH WELL newsletter is here! Featuring research updates and events, this issue shows how BH WELL advances #BehavioralHealth through education and collaboration. Click: ow.ly/8iNk50YAKMA Image: A wishing well with a brain behind it and a yellow & black striped honeybee

Understanding tobacco dependence is key. Dr. Zim Okoli led a Lunch & Learn on withdrawal & long-term cessation. More: ow.ly/L4ul50YAJPb Image: Dr. Zim Okoli presenting at ESH on tobacco dependence treatment in inpatient psychiatric settings for healthcare professionals.

BH WELL recognized Casey Baker-Romans for advancing tobacco treatment in #BehavioralHealth Click to learn more: ow.ly/3A4y50YBzCt Image: Casey Baker-Romans recognized with a BH WELL award for her contributions to advancing tobacco treatment in behavioral health.

Pooja Bhattarai presented at the #UniversityOfKentucky CCTS Spring Conference, sharing #BehavioralHealth research and its impact on care. Learn more: ow.ly/GoCp50YAKB9 Image: Pooja Bhattarai standing beside her research poster at the CCTS conference.

BH WELL recognized Jessie Jurkiewicz for advancing tobacco treatment in #BehavioralHealth. Click to learn more: ow.ly/ngV650YBzBS Image: Jessie Jurkiewicz holding her BH WELL award plaque in recognition of her contributions to tobacco treatment in behavioral health.

BH WELL recognized Owensboro Health for advancing tobacco treatment in #BehavioralHealth. Learn more: ow.ly/HLEG50YBfam Image: Owensboro Health team holding a BH WELL award at a University of Kentucky workshop for advancing tobacco treatment in behavioral health.

Workplace violence affects nurses. Understanding risks helps create #WorkplaceSafety Read more: ow.ly/axWq50YyhWy Image: Nurse leading discussion Text: New Research! Factors associated with workplace violence among nurses: A cross-sectional study in the southeastern U.S.

BH WELL supported #PRISE2026 at ESH through the UK College of Nursing and UK HealthCare #AcademicPracticePartnership We’re proud to be part of the ESH team & work alongside colleagues. Image: BH WELL team stands by the PRISE display, representing providers & those they serve.

Thanks to ESH Research Council for hosting #PRISE2026, featuring research & innovation. L to R: Holly Belcher; Heather Robertson; Elizabeth Baltenberger; Kevin Bryant; Rhianne Shupe; Zim Okoli; Lindsey Jasinski Not shown: Andrew Cooley; Sean Reilley; Elizabeth Smith; Marc Woods

Grateful to leaders who joined us for #PRISE2026, showcasing research with behavioral health partners. L to R: Dr. Zim Okoli; Dr. Marc Woods; Dr. Lindsey Jasinski; Aundrea Lewis; Dr. Allan Brenzel; Dr. Andrew Cooley Image: ESH and KY behavioral health leaders stand together.

Congratulations to Rhiane Shupe, LCSW, recipient of the PRISE 2026 Best Presentation Award! Presented by Dr. Zim Okoli for outstanding research shared at this year’s #PRISE2026 event at #EasternStateHospital Image: Rhiane Shupe and Dr. Okoli hold the Best Presentation award.

Wrapped up research presentations at #PRISE2026 with Dr. Kevin Bryant and Lindsey Jasinski presenting “From Surveillance to Stewardship,” exploring ways to balance #PatientSafety, dignity, and responsible resource use in psych care. Image: Two speakers present research slides.

ESH #PRISE2026 attendees heard from Erin Morris, presenting “EmPATH Evolution: Measurable Impact and a Vision Forward,” highlighting the impact of the EmPATH behavioral health crisis care program. #MentalHealthCare Image: Presenter speaking to attendees about the EmPATH program.

“From Bedside to Community,” presented by Tara Dewees and Amber Stepp, focused on how peer recovery coaches in the ED help link individuals with substance use disorders to treatment and community resources at #PRISE2026 Image: Two presenters speak beside a slide presentation.

Nicole Clark, BSN, RN, and Teresa Nelson, MSN, RN present on integrating and evaluating the impact of the MHA-RP and its role in strengthening mental health care teams. #PRISE2026 #BehavioralHealthResearch #ESH Image: Two presenters share research slides about MHA-RP.

This afternoon’s keynote by Dr. Julie Cerel focused on understanding suicide exposure and its impact on clinicians and communities. #PRISE2026 #SuicidePrevention #EasternStateHospital #BehavioralHealthResearch Image: Dr. Julie Cerel delivers a presentation to PRISE attendees.

Rhiane Shupe, LCSW, discussed health care stigmatization of substance misuse and its impact on the therapeutic relationship between providers and patients. #BehavioralHealthResearch #MentalHealth Image: Presenter speaks to an audience while displaying research slides.

Madison Perkins and Haley Ratliff present their quality improvement initiative on multidisciplinary efforts to minimize medication errors. #PRISE2026 #EasternStateHospital #BehavioralHealthResearch Image: Two presenters stand near a projected slide reporting on their research.