Researchers at the University of Kentucky are hosting a watch party for a video that showcases their work to better understand the barriers to substance use disorder (SUD) program engagement in Kentucky.

“We have worked to gather this information for two years after conducting four separate studies,” said TK Logan, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Behavioral Science in the College of Medicine and Lewis Honors College faculty.

The effort includes a survey with SUD program staff, interviews with consumers who dropped out of SUD programs or thought about but did not enter an SUD program recently, and a secret shopper project. The research team also conducted Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) walk-throughs, focus groups and a literature review.

“The culmination of these efforts is a video for SUD program staff — ‘Strengthening Lifelines: Increasing client engagement and retention in substance use disorder programs,’” said Logan. “We’re looking forward to the watch party to celebrate this endeavor and the contributions of many providers, persons in recovery and state partners.”

The video was a collaboration and features client stories as well as program staff, consumers, peer coaches and state partners. Funding for the preliminary work and video was provided by Team Kentucky and the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.

The watch party will be held Aug. 8, at the Worsham Cinema in the Gatton Student Center, with a reception at 5 p.m. with the film viewing at 6 p.m. A discussion will follow the viewing.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP to Olivia Johnson by Aug. 2 at olivia.johnson240@uky.edu.