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 39 counties out of 120.
“Fewer of our people and families are experiencing the pain of addiction because communities are supporting their neighbors,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release. “By working together, we’ve achieved three straight years of declines in overdose deaths in our commonwealth. I know we’ll continue to make progress in this fight as we keep making treatment more accessible to every Kentuckian.”
The new Recovery Ready Communities are in Clark, Johnson, Madison and Mason counties. About 176,000 Kentuckians live in those parts of the state, according to the release.
Clark County was recognized for having one of the most active local Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP) boards in the commonwealth, providing a wide number of support groups and recovery resources to those struggling with addiction. The board’s work is supplemented by the Clark County Health Department’s Recovery Community Center.
“This designation demonstrates that our community believes recovery is possible and that we are committed to providing the services, support, and opportunities people need to rebuild their lives,” Clark County Health Director Becky Kissick said in the release. “Becoming a Recovery Ready Community is more than a designation — it’s a promise that we will continue working together to strengthen recovery services and create a healthier future for everyone.”
Johnson County was recognized for the Appalachian Regional Healthcare’s Reverse the Cycle Program at Paintsville ARH Hospital. This model program provides peer recovery coaches for individuals upon admission to the emergency department who screen for drug and alcohol abuse and provide treatment resources when needed. It was also recognized for its public library program, which serves as a one-stop resource hub and provides focused youth-oriented interventions that seek to prevent addiction before it begins.
“We are grateful for this opportunity, which will help us expand recovery resources and strengthen support for individuals and families in our community,” District Judge D. Brett Butcher, 24th Judicial District Division, Johnson County District Drug and Mental Health Court, said in the release.
Madison County was recognized for its Enrich One-Stop Community Resource and Referral Hub, which provides access to health care and mental health resources, addiction treatment, emergency shelter and housing services, Casey’s Law support and more. The hub has also paired with the county health department’s mobile outreach harm reduction program.
“Madison County becoming a certified Recovery Ready Community is a proud moment for our community and a testament to the many people who have worked tirelessly to make this possible. From prevention and education efforts to treatment, rehabilitation, Drug Court programs, and employers willing to offer second chances, we are building a network of support that helps people reclaim their lives,” Madison County Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor said in the release.
Mason County was recognized for its Comprehend’s REACH outpatient addiction treatment clinic, which provides residents of Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason and Robertson counties access to addiction medications, mental health care and other evidence-based behavioral health services. It was also recognized for Sutton’s Landing, a 40-unit permanent supportive housing that provides residents with on-site services such as counseling, addiction recovery and financial management.
“Countless community agencies and individual representatives have worked tirelessly on obtaining this designation and, as a community, we’re working hard to turn the tide by coming together as a community with empathy and compassion to ensure all Mason Countians have access to a better life,” Mason County Judge-Executive Owen McNeill said.
