By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
Four more Kentucky counties have been certified as Recovery Ready Communities, signaling that they have the resources needed to help their residents recover from addiction. That brings the total to 35 counties out of 120.
“Too many of our families know the pain of losing a loved one to addiction, and every life lost is a child of God that we mourn,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release. “By certifying four more counties as Recovery Ready Communities, including the commonwealth’s third-largest city, we are ensuring that every Kentuckian can get the addiction treatment and recovery resources they deserve to live a full, healthy life.”
About 219,000 Kentuckians live in those parts of the state, according to the release.
Estill County was recognized for its Overdose Task Force and its health departments Under the Bridge harm reduction and mobile outreach program. Mercy Health’s Marcum and Wallace Hospital in Irvine and Kentucky River Foothills also work to provide in-person services while reducing the stigma surrounding addiction.
“Our community partners are actively working together to ensure that anyone dealing with substance use disorder has access to local resources and the support they need to achieve sobriety,” Elizabeth Walling, public health director for the Estill County Health Department, said in the release.
Henderson County was recognized for its Agency for Substance Abuse Policy board. The county is also home to The Port, a youth drop-in center serving individuals ages 16 to 25, offering mental health support and addiction treatment. It was also recognized for its Recovery Resource Club of Henderson, which hosts the Stop The Overdose Project, which is designed to reduce community stigma and drug overdoses while increasing harm reduction capacity.
“This certification acknowledges those heroic efforts and reminds us all of the thousands of lives saved through expert intervention, treatment and successful transition back into society,” Henderson County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider said.
Lewis County was recognized for its county leadership, who created a partnership between Fresh Start Health, Lewis County Fiscal Court, Lewis County Health Department and Lewis County Emergency Management to expand access to addiction treatment and enhance community prevention efforts. The county also benefits from a strong ASAP board and is one of the newest chapters of Operation UNITE.
“This certification reflects who we are as a community, people who care about one another and step up when our neighbors need help,” Lewis County Judge-Executive George Sparks said.
Warren County was recognized for its county-level Office of Drug Control Policy that serves the Barren River Area Development District and an active ASAP board that funds interventions in the county. It was also recognized for LifeSkills, Inc., which partners with stakeholders across the county to operate a Quick Response Team to provide resources to the homeless and those fighting addiction. Also, the county has access to the Anchor Project, a three-part regional addiction project that provides various levels of addiction treatment.
Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman said, “This milestone reflects our shared commitment to supporting recovery, reducing stigma, and building a healthier, more resilient community for all who call Warren County home.”
