Dr. Rachel Vickers-Smith
Rachel Vickers-Smith is an assistant professor of epidemiology in the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. Her research focuses on identifying the factors and mechanisms that contribute to adverse outcomes and HIV/HCV risk related to changing patterns in the drug use landscape, particularly among rural people who use drugs.
HEALing Communities Study role: Vickers-Smith is a member of the Data, Informatics, and Biostatistics (DIB) Core, the Community Engagement team and the supplemental Stay Safe Study team. Within the DIB, she provides applied statistical expertise and data analysis support. In the Community Engagement team, she works with local coalitions to support their selection and implementation of evidence-based practices to prevent opioid overdose deaths in their communities. The Stay Safe Study was a multi-state observational study using both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand overdose risk reduction behaviors including FTS use in people who use drugs and facilitators and barriers to the organizations that distribute them.
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