KENTUCKY REGIONAL EXTENSION CENTER

Podcasts

Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 23: Advancing Kentucky Together – Trudi Matthews

Hybrid Event with Special Guest Speakers – In Person and Online

Oct. 23 2025, Lexington Kentucky, The Campbell House

Trudi Matthews

ADVANCING KENTUCKY TOGETHER & LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Speaker: Trudi Matthews,  UK HEalthcare 

For more than two decades, the University of Kentucky and its hospital, UK HealthCare, has established and worked with affiliates — hospitals, clinics and providers — across the state to open greater access to specialty care, such as cancer, heart disease and stroke.

During the October 2024 UK Board of Trustees retreat, the Board directed President Capilouto to build on our momentum and take the next critical steps in our mission to advance the wellbeing of our Commonwealth. We are focusing the institution’s capacity and strategic efforts on becoming the university that — along with partners — does more than anyone in the country to improve the health of the state it serves.

The Advancing Kentucky Together Network takes that affiliate model a step further. The Advancing Kentucky Together Network is the next evolution of our partnership model and expands our efforts to address dramatically growing health, education and workforce needs across the state.

About Trudi Matthews

Trudi Matthews serves as Chief of Value Based Programs, Public Policy and Community Initiatives in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at UK HealthCare, the health system of the University of Kentucky (UK). In this role, Trudi works with UK HealthCare’s executive team and ambulatory leadership to ensure success in value-based programs for Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurers. Trudi also serves as government affairs and policy lead for UK HealthCare overseeing a team responsible for reviewing and analyzing state and federal government policy initiatives.

Trudi is also Executive Director of the Kentucky Regional Extension Center (REC) at UK. Trudi oversees this state-wide center charged with assisting health care leaders, practices, and hospitals across Kentucky with using technology, connectivity, process improvement and value-based care models to improve the quality and value of health care. From 2015-2019, she was Managing Director of the Kentucky REC, leading and supporting multiple externally sponsored projects such as Kentucky’s Practice Transformation Network Grant, Medicaid Meaningful Use/Promoting Interoperability Support, and several CDC-funded projects with the Kentucky Department for Public Health.

Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.

PILL Podcast: Transforming Healthcare – Primary Plus’s CHW Program

Transforming Healthcare – Primary Plus’s CHW Program

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Brooke Perkins, Director for Community Health Worker programs at Lewis County Primary Care Center, Inc, also known as Primary Plus.

Brooke provides an in-depth exploration of their innovative Community Health Worker (CHW) program, tracing its mission, evolution, and remarkable impact. Learn how they’ve navigated challenges, gained healthcare provider buy-in, and transformed patient care workflows. Through inspiring success stories and insights into community impact, Brooke sheds light on the vital role of CHW programs in enhancing overall well-being. Tune in for a fascinating glimpse into the world of healthcare innovation and community health initiatives!

Listen to our podcast on Buzzsprout, or Spotify and Apple Podcasts. All previous episodes are available.

If you need assistance with healthcare quality improvement, contact the Kentucky REC at 859-323-3090 or by email.

PILL PODCAST: Empowering Stroke Survivors – A Conversation with Dr. Christine Cosby-Gaither

Empowering Stroke Survivors – A Conversation with Dr. Christine Cosby-Gaither

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Christine Cosby-Gaither, an educator, entrepreneur, and founder of A Stroke of Grace.

Dr. Cosby-Gaither’s journey is one of resilience, from her career in academia, to her inspiring recovery from a life-changing stroke in 2019.

Through her nonprofit organization, A Stroke of Grace, she is dedicated to supporting Black stroke survivors and their families, offering hope and resources along their recovery journey.

Join us as we learn Dr. Cosby-Gaither’s story, the mission of A Stroke of Grace, and the innovative initiatives she’s spearheading for stroke prevention and recovery. Discover the transformative impact of her work and the inspiration she embodies.

Visit A Stroke of Grace website HERE

Listen to our podcast on Buzzsprout, or Spotify and Apple Podcasts. All previous episodes are available.

If you need assistance with healthcare quality improvement, contact the Kentucky REC at 859-323-3090 or by email.

New Kentucky REC Facebook Page and Other Resources

Kentucky REC has a new Facebook Page! Follow the link here and like us to get up to date information on the latest healthcare news and events affecting your organization and healthcare in the Commonwealth!

We have resources available on multiple platforms in order to provide you with relevant news and information to keep up with the ever changing issues in modern healthcare.

Check Us Out on These Platforms!

The PILL Podcast

Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your healthcare questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

PILL PODCAST: Unlocking Mental Health Resources – Insights from Danny Cornett at New Vista

Unlocking Mental Health Resources – Insights from Danny Cornett at New Vista

Join us as we explore New Vista’s innovative approaches to client-centered care, destigmatizing mental health, and promoting awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month.

In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the critical topic of mental health awareness and the resources available in Kentucky. Danny Cornett, DrPH, the Corporate Director of Quality and Compliance at New Vista, shares valuable insights into the organization’s comprehensive mental health services, including substance use disorder treatment and crisis intervention.

Listen to our podcast on Buzzsprout, or Spotify and Apple Podcasts. All previous episodes are available.

If you need assistance with healthcare quality improvement, contact the Kentucky REC at 859-323-3090 or by email.