ETSU psychologist Dr. Kelly Moore debuts a documentary on jail-based substance use treatment, screening free at Jonesborough's Jackson Theatre on April 9.

The two weeks after someone is released from jail represent the highest-risk period for fatal overdose.

That statistic drives the work of Dr. Kelly E. Moore, associate professor in ETSU's Department of Psychology and a licensed clinical psychologist who has spent 15 years working at the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system.

Now, she's bringing that work to the screen.

Moore created a documentary exploring substance use treatment in jails. It’s a project funded by the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council and designed to challenge the way people think about incarceration, addiction and recovery.  

Guests can view the film at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, at the Jackson Theatre in Jonesborough.

"I hope this documentary presents a different perspective on jails and people who go to jail," Moore said. "There are a lot of negative views about addiction – that people just need to decide to quit using drugs and that sitting in jail is what people deserve. We know from research how to help people with substance use and mental health problems."

From crisis to opportunity

Early in her career, Moore realized that people with substance use and mental health disorders who end up incarcerated often don't have access to treatment. Without treatment and support, they cycle back into the system repeatedly.

"I think jails are an opportune time to provide treatment, and that doing so will reduce recidivism and the burden of crime on society," Moore said.

The documentary features people with experience of addiction and incarceration, physicians who treat opioid use disorder, academic researchers studying jail-based treatment effectiveness, and jails providing treatment services.

Moore partnered with Sheriff Keith Sexton and the Washington County Sheriff's Office, collaborators on clinical and research projects for the past five years. She also worked with Jordy Whetsell and Chroma Creative to tell the story in a way that challenges stigma.

"Jordy can tell compelling stories in a way that I am not able to with simple academic-style trainings," Moore said. "This partnership was critical to present these issues in a way that hopefully inspires people."

A mission that matters

Dr. Alyson Chroust, chair of ETSU's Department of Psychology, praised Moore's work bridging research and real-world impact.

"Dr. Moore’s work uses psychological science to address one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time,” Chroust said. “This documentary brings years of research into the public conversation, helping communities better understand addiction and support recovery while advancing ETSU’s mission to improve the health and well-being of our region.”

The screening is free and open to the public.

Explore the many ways ETSU professors challenge the status quo at etsu.edu/trailblazers.