State health initiative focuses on addiction and harm reduction in July
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
The focus of July’s “Our Healthy Kentucky Home” initiative is substance use disorder, otherwise known as addiction, and harm reduction.
“More than 80,000 people died from an overdose in the U.S. in 2024, and more than 1,400 of those deaths were our fellow Kentuckians,” Dr. Steven Stack, the state’s public health commissioner and newly appointed secretary for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, said at a July 10 news conference.
Stack added that while the number of overdose-related deaths decreased in Kentucky by more than 30% in 2024, compared to the year before, there is still work to do.
“A lot of work remains, and we can’t let up our efforts until we eliminate the horrors and tragedies associated with drug use and addiction,” he said.
Stack said the pillars of the state’s one-year health initiative — to eat two servings of fruits and vegetables daily, to exercise at least 30 minutes three times per week, and to engage with others and stay connected — are also important for those struggling with addiction.
He said eating healthy can be vital to recovery.
“Certain types of whole foods or unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, or nuts and grains provide healthy nutrition to support recovery,” he said. “Whole foods boost brain health and mood, which can reduce some of the mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal. Even small dietary changes can make a big difference.”
He also pointed to the importance of regular physical exercise in the recovery journey, noting that this offers benefits for the mind and body.
“Regular physical activity increases serotonin, dopamine and endorphins, otherwise known as the feel-good chemicals that your body naturally produces,” he said. “Increasing these chemicals can relieve stress, help manage anger and frustration and improve your sleep.”
Stack also emphasized the importance of building a strong sober network.
“This is a trusted group of people who provide practical advice, emotional support and understand your journey to a successful recovery,” he said.
The “Our Healthy Kentucky Home” website, found at OurHealthyKYHome.ky.gov, includes links to Kentucky-specific addiction resources, including information about Kentucky’s harm reduction program; where to find syringe service programs; findnaloxone.ky.gov, a website that shows Kentuckians where to find Naloxone, a drug that is used to reverse opioid overdose; information about findhelpnow.org, a website that helps Kentuckians find treatment and recovery facilities that are taking new clients right now; and information about the KY HELP Statewide Call Center (1-8338-KYHELP (1-833-859-4357), which is staffed by Operation UNITE.