HAZARD, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work is inviting students, alumni and community practitioners to deepen their understanding of trauma-informed care during an upcoming Lunch & Learn at the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health.
The in-person event, Trauma-Informed Social Work: Principles, Practice, and Protective Factors, will be held Wednesday, March 11, at the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health, 750 Morton Blvd., in Hazard. Participants may choose between two identical sessions offered from 12–2 p.m. ET or 4–6 p.m. ET in Room 214/216. Attendees will earn 1.5 continuing education units (CEUs), and a meal will be provided.
Alumni and students in the Hazard area are encouraged to attend. Registration is available at:
https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_425ZX9kagtRWK8e
The session will be led by Cris Rush, LCSW, a longtime leader in behavioral health and trauma-informed systems development. Rush earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky and has devoted more than three decades to advancing mental health and well-being for children, families and communities.
Her career includes 11 years in community mental health serving in clinical and administrative roles, followed by 22 years in public schools, where she coordinated physical and mental health services, conducted functional behavioral assessments and led trauma-informed care initiatives to improve school climate and student outcomes.
Since retiring in 2024, Rush has continued to strengthen trauma-informed systems across Kentucky. She provides consultation and training for the Kentucky River Regional Health Department and supports school districts through the University of Louisville’s Center for Instructional and Behavioral Research in Schools. She also serves as a part-time instructor with the UK College of Social Work.
This Lunch & Learn is part of CoSW’s withstanding commitment to strengthening behavioral health and trauma-informed practices across the Bluegrass.
The event is part of the college’s broader celebration of National Social Work Month and National Criminal Justice Month in March, recognizing the vital role professionals play in promoting resilience, safety and community well-being.
To explore additional events and activities throughout the month, visit https://ukcosw.com/March2026.
