Public Service

Statement from Dean Heath on George Floyd Verdict, Racial Equity and Healing

Apr 20, 2021

See the below message from Janie Heath, Dean and Warwick Professor Nursing, University of Kentucky College of Nursing. The conviction of Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd breathes hope into the future of accountability and progress toward social justice in America. It is a reminder that the work is just beginning and that we need to continue to push for meaningful change. We know that many of us have been deeply affected and impacted by this trauma.

Oped by Dr. Anthony Carney: Why is a practice that tortures young people legal in Kentucky?

Mar 18, 2021

As a gay man, it frightens me. As a health care professional, it enrages me. I am a board-certified family nurse practitioner who serves the health care needs of LGBTQ+ patients. My work is dedicated to evidence-based practice and advocacy for my patients. Fortunately, I never experienced conversion therapy firsthand. However, one of my best friends did take his own life as a result of his experience with conversion therapy when we were 13. Conversion therapy threatens my community and needs to end. I am calling for a legislative end to the practice in Kentucky.

Op-ed: New ideas to deliver better health care to people in rural Kentucky

Nov 19, 2020

The below op-ed appeared in the Louisville Courier-Journal Nov. 19, 2020, and was written by Dr. Tyrone F. Borders, a professor in the College of Nursing and director of the Rural and Underserved Health Research Center at the University of Kentucky.

UK Nursing part of regional group working to reduce farmer stress

Oct 13, 2020

Lexington, Ky., - Unprecedented times have unleashed an enormous amount of new and unique stressors on American farm families. To help producers and their families better deal with stressful events, researchers in the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and College of Nursing have joined other scientists from across the South to develop resources to help producers combat stress.

A message from UK Academic Leaders on Breonna Taylor case

Sep 23, 2020

The below message was sent to out to the University of Kentucky staff, faculty, and students on behalf of the university's academic leaders, including College of Nursing Dean Janie Heath UK President Capilouto also sent out a message earlier today. Dear Members of the UK Community: Our thoughts are with the family, friends and community members directly affected by this case. We know that coping in such a public way adds layers to already deep grief.

Heart-2-Heart Campaign expands to support Kentucky farmers

Jul 8, 2020

They go to work bright and early every morning regardless of the day of the week or the weather conditions to help ensure Americans have the safest, freshest food supply in the world. To thank them for their tireless work, the University of Kentucky is expanding its Heart-2-Heart campaign to the state’s farmers July 1.

Oped: Systematic racism in the U.S. now shows us a tale of two pandemics

Jun 24, 2020

The below op-ed appeared in the Lexington Herald-Leader on June 19, 2020, and was written in-part by UK College of Nursing faculty member Lovoria Williams.

Juneteenth statement from Dean Janie Heath

Jun 19, 2020

(LEXINGTON, KY.) -- "Today, Juneteenth is a reminder of how far we’ve come as a nation and how far we still need to go. June 19, 1865, is a momentous occasion that commemorates the official day in African American history that signifies the end of slavery in the United States. Even though the emancipation proclamation came two years earlier on January 1, 1863, the enslaved were held captive until this historical day which represents African American Freedom.

Nursing, UK health colleges unite to support Black Lives Matter

Jun 18, 2020

(LEXINGTON, Ky) -- The University of Kentucky College of Nursing united with other UK health colleges to take a stand against racial injustice and support Black Lives Matter at an event on UK's campus Friday, June 12. The event included several speakers representing students, faculty, and staff from the university's various health colleges.

Statement on unity, racial injustice and health equity from BREATHE Research Team

Jun 10, 2020

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Breathing is not a choice. All people deserve to breathe; it is a necessity of life. Systemic racism has been a knee to the neck of African American and Black communities for generations, literally taking their breath and their lives away. Systemic racism threatens health equity and lung health. BREATHE (Bridging Research Efforts and Advocacy Toward Healthy Environments) stands in unity with others who are protesting injustice and seeking justice for all people of color.

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