BH WELL Open House at Eastern State Hospital
The BH WELL research team hosted an open house event at their new office space in the Eastern State Hospital research suite on November 21st from 11AM-1PM and 4PM-6PM. Dr. Zim Okoli gave a short address at noon.
Attendees viewed the facilities, met the BH WELL research team, and learned about the innovative mental and behavioral health work occurring through our academic-practice partnership with Eastern State Hospital. The BH WELL team is part of an Academic Practice Partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, UK HealthCare, and Eastern State Hospital. Several UK College of Nursing faculty are BH WELL team members, providing expertise to inform BH WELL’s work. BH WELL receives support from UK Healthcare which manages Eastern State Hospital. Eastern State Hospital provides support through collaboration with staff members.
BH WELL Executive Director Dr. Zim Okoli shares, “The academic-practice partnership between the UK College of Nursing, UK Healthcare, and Eastern State Hospital has enabled an infrastructure for mental and behavioral health research and evidence-based practice integration at Eastern State Hospital. It is energizing to be in such a supportive environment that fosters innovation and promotes best practices based on research evidence to enhance care for people living with mental and behavioral health challenges. Ultimately, it is all about the patient care outcomes, and the investment in research and evidence-based practice at Eastern State Hospital demonstrates the commitment to excellence in care provision.”
BH WELL works with Eastern State Hospital (ESH) on numerous collaborations. The Work Learning Program supports ESH employees who are also UK students. The program aims to advance education, enhance staff development, support research, and improve patient outcomes. The program provides evidence-based support to full-time employees admitted to the Work Learning Program including a study room, paid study time, peer tutoring, and bonding activities. The cohorts range in level and specialty from MHA-RN, RN-BSN, BSN-DNP, and BSW-DSW.
BH WELL also collaborates with Eastern State Hospital to conduct research. Dr. Zim Okoli, BH WELL director, serves as the chair of ESH’s Research Council. Having a research council on-site allows ESH to support improved patient outcomes. It provides support in designing and implementing evidence-based programs. It also provides a place for hospital health providers and staff to bring challenges to which they are seeking solutions. The Research Council can help ensure potential research and program changes adhere to and/or enhance existing best practices. Additionally, the research conducted by the BH WELL team can be used to educate ESH staff and promote positive outcomes among ESH patients.
Dr. Marc Woods, Chief Nursing Officer at Eastern State Hospital, shares, “We are incredibly proud of the academic partnership between Eastern State Hospital and BH WELL, which has brought innovative research opportunities to our campus. Under the leadership of Dr. Zim Okoli, whose distinguished career and accolades reflect his commitment to excellence, the research suite represents a significant step forward in advancing interdisciplinary research and evidence-based practices at ESH. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to improving mental health care and fostering an environment of innovation, discovery, and excellence."
We are proud to offer this open house opportunity to showcase BH WELL’s important work. Housed within the UK College of Nursing, the BH WELL research team exists to promote behavioral health and wellness among individuals facing behavioral health challenges. The BH WELL research team members are experts in behavioral health integration and change. They provide the essentials of mental and behavioral health support: practice, research, education, scholarship and service. To learn more, visit the BH WELL website.
