AdventHealth Joins Kentucky Opioid Stewardship Program to Combat Opioid Crisis

September 26, 2023 — AdventHealth is proud to announce its participation in the Kentucky Opioid Stewardship Program (KY SOS), a statewide initiative developed in affiliation with the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) and based on the Six Building Blocks Program from the University of Washington. This program utilizes a team-based approach to enhancing opioid management in primary care settings and employing evidence-based strategies widely recognized across the nation.

Dr. Anita Cornett, Chief Medical Officer at AdventHealth, expressed her enthusiasm for this endeavor, stating, "The opioid crisis is a pressing issue in our community. We are committed to being part of the solution and to improving the health and well-being of the patients and families we serve that are battling addiction and walking through recovery. Through partnerships with KY SOS and others, AHM is optimistic we will be able to provide greater support to those affected by opioid addiction."

As part of this initiative, AdventHealth has established an internal Opioid Stewardship Committee and Subcommittee, comprising a dedicated team of experts from various fields within the organization. The committee includes medical professionals, nursing staff, patient safety officers, risk management specialists, IT professionals, and pharmacy experts. Together, they will actively participate in educational and monitoring activities related to opioid stewardship across all primary care clinics.

The committee members are as follows:
- Dr. Anita Cornett, CMO
- Dr. Angela Rice, Medical Director
- Teresa Cole, APRN
- Cynthia Maggard, APRN
- Ashlei Beverly, APRN
- Ashley Munn, APRN
- Melissa Culver, RN, Patient Safety Officer
- Donna Cochran, RN, Director of Quality and Risk Management
- Wayne Dubbels, IT Director
- Michael Ledford, Pharmacy Director
- April Hubbard, RN, Clinic Operations Director
- Sheila Asher, CMA, Primary Care Clinic Manager/Assistant Director of Clinic Operations
- Trina Roberts, CMA, Clinic Manager

AdventHealth's commitment to addressing the opioid crisis is unwavering. Through active participation in the KY SOS program, the organization aims to implement evidence-based practices, collaborate with like-minded institutions, and drive positive change in the fight against opioid addiction.

The organization looks forward to sharing updates on its efforts and progress in the months to come as it works tirelessly to make a meaningful impact in the community.