OneQuest Health backs NKU study on behavioral health costs

OneQuest Health is funding a Northern Kentucky University study to quantify the economic and fiscal impact of behavioral health and substance use challenges across the region. The January 2027 report is meant to help policymakers, funders and community leaders better assess the costs of prevention, intervention and recovery support.

Why it matters: - Behavioral health and substance use challenges affect more than individual patients. The study is designed to measure the ripple effects on healthcare spending, criminal justice, workforce participation and education. - OneQuest Health wants a data-backed case for policy and investment decisions, not only personal stories. - The final report could shape how funders and public leaders evaluate prevention, intervention and recovery services in the region.

What happened: - OneQuest Health announced a new research partnership with the Center for Economic Analysis and Development at Northern Kentucky University. - The study will examine the broader economic and fiscal impact of behavioral health and substance use challenges across the region. - The work is being led by Janet Harrah, executive director of outreach and senior director of CEAD at NKU. - The project is underwritten by OneQuest Health board member Dr. Dorothy Air and her spouse, Dr. Gordon W. Air. - The final report, executive summary and stakeholder presentation are expected in January 2027.

The details: - The research will analyze healthcare utilization, criminal justice involvement, workforce participation and education. - The study will also assess the potential economic implications of prevention, intervention and recovery support services. - CEAD will use published research and conservative assumptions in its analysis. - Harrah’s team focuses on turning regional economic data into tools for policymakers and community leaders. - OneQuest Health said the effort is meant to help it better understand its impact across healthcare, justice, workforce and school systems. - Dr. Dorothy Air has served on the OneQuest Health Board of Trustees since 2018. - OneQuest Health is a multi-state integrated behavioral and primary care nonprofit headquartered in Covington, Kentucky, serving Kentucky, southern Ohio and Indiana. - The organization was formerly known as CHNK Behavioral Health. - OneQuest Health employs about 165 professionals across Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Williamstown and Louisville. - The organization delivered about 50,000 treatment services and 7,000 client and family impacts in fiscal year 2026. - NKU nursing students complete internships at OneQuest Health under the preceptorship of an advanced practice registered nurse. - Three OneQuest Health team leaders serve as subsidized adjunct faculty teaching NKU College of Health and Human Services coursework on OneQuest Health campuses. - More information is available on the organizations’ sites: OneQuest Health and Northern Kentucky University.

Between the lines: - The partnership points to a push to quantify social-service outcomes in economic terms, which can be useful in budget debates and grant-making. - Using conservative assumptions suggests the study is aiming for credibility and defensibility rather than a broad advocacy claim. - The existing NKU relationship gives the project a built-in academic and workforce pipeline, not just a one-off research contract.

What's next: - CEAD will produce the report, executive summary and stakeholder presentation by January 2027. - The findings are expected to inform future conversations about policy, funding and community needs. - OneQuest Health said it hopes the study will give policymakers and philanthropic partners clearer evidence for future decisions.