Calloway, Daviess, Fayette and Pulaski counties are certified as Recovery Ready Communities, totaling 18 since May 2023
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
Four more Kentucky counties have been certified as Recovery Ready Communities, signaling that they have the services needed to help their residents recover from addiction. That brings the total counties with this certification to 18.
Gov. Andy Beshear made the announcement at the Sept. 16 National Recovery Month celebration on the south lawn of the Kentucky State Capitol.
Beshear lauded Calloway, Daviess, Fayette and Pulaski counties for this accomplishment, but said there is still work to do to get all 120 of the state’s counties certified. The program began in May 2023.
“We’ve got over 100 to go,” he said. “We are well on our way and our goal is for every single Kentucky county to become a Recovery Ready County. Let’s get that done.”
To be certified as recovery-ready, a county must have peer-support services, mental health treatment, addiction treatment, employment services and a stigma-free environment to encourage recovery. The program “encourages communities to provide transportation to and from employment services and job interviews, allowing Kentuckians to make positive changes in their lives while filling much-needed jobs and contributing to the commonwealth’s record-breaking economic growth,” a news release from Beshear’s office said when the last four counties were announced in July.
This announcement followed the governor pointing out that Kentucky saw a 9.8% decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2023, the commonwealth’s second consecutive annual decrease.
Representing Daviess County, RonSonlyn Clark, clinical director of Boulware Mission in Owensboro, talked about the wide range of recovery support, treatment and prevention programs in the county that allowed it to be certified as a Recovery Ready Community.
“Our journey started over 20 years ago when small groups of us were challenged to make changes to how we responded and approached the issue of addiction in our community. Today is the result of that endeavor,” she said.
The release included statements from representatives of the other counties.
In Fayette County, “I am proud of the work we’ve done in Fayette County that has led us to be recognized as a Recovery Ready Community,” said Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton. “We are committed to strong partnerships and innovative programming that supports those affected by substance use disorder.”
In Pulaski County, “Somerset is a community that is driven to be a Recovery Ready Community,” said Somerset Mayor Alan Keck. “Every citizen of our community deserves a second chance if they need one. We will continue to pursue compassion married with accountability as we work towards opportunities for those in recovery.”
“I am proud to support the task force’s dedication to securing the Kentucky Recovery Ready Certification for Calloway County,” said Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes. “This certification is a testament to our community’s resilience and commitment to fostering a supportive environment for those in recovery. By achieving this certification, we not only enhance our county’s reputation but also ensure that we are providing critical resources and support for individuals on their journey to recovery. It is a crucial step towards building a stronger, more compassionate community.”
To learn more about the program and to apply for certification as a Recovery Ready Community, click here.