Boyd, Carter, Clay, Greenup, Letcher and Owsley counties certified as Recovery Ready Communities, totaling 31
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
Six 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 to 31 counties out of 120.
“Together, we are making sure no Kentuckian walks the road to recovery alone, by ensuring everyone has access to resources to fight addiction,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release. “We’re ensuring there are treatment options and recovery help in every community by designating our counties as Recovery Ready so Kentuckians know where they can start their recovery journey – now.”
Beshear recognized the counties on Sept. 5 at a Recovery Rally at the Kentucky State Capitol, celebrating National Recovery Month, which is observed every September to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery from addiction.
By designating Boyd, Carter, Clay, Greenup, Letcher and Owsley counties as Recovery Ready Communities, this ensures access to assistance for drug or alcohol addiction for the nearly 153,000 Kentuckians who reside in those parts of the commonwealth, according to the release.
Clay County was recognized for its harm reduction program, operated by the Cumberland Valley District Health Department. The health department also provides addiction treatment and mental health services while supporting the county’s homeless population. In addition, AdventHealth hospital system provides essential treatment and links to recovery services. And, the county has one of the original Kentucky Overdose Response Effort (KORE)-funded recovery community centers operated by Volunteers of America.
“The opioid epidemic hit Clay County very hard, and this certification is a testament to the power of a community that stands together and fights,” Clay County Judge-Executive Tommy Harmon said in the release.
Letcher County was recognized for its commitment to coordination and cooperation to solve the addiction crisis locally, including the work of its Agency for Substance Abuse Planning (ASAP) Board, the Letcher County UNITE Coalition, Kentucky River Community Care and its Help End Addiction for Life (HEAL) coalition.
“To be a community that not only believes in hope for a better future, but also a community that brings that hope to life through plans and action,” Dr. Sydney Whitaker, substance use treatment coordinator for Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation, said in the release.
Owsley County was recognized for its prevention efforts that support families across the county, including the Owsley County Anti-Drug Council, The Hub, a nationally recognized model that combines harm reduction outreach and a recovery community center, and Kentucky River Community Care, which provides education to the county’s youth about the harm addiction causes.
“We are very excited to receive the Recovery Ready Community certification for Owsley County,” Scott Lockard, public health director for Kentucky River District Health Department, said in the release. “We are all working together to ensure that anyone dealing with substance use disorder has the resources and support they need to achieve sobriety.”
Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties submitted a joint application representing the Northeast region of the state. The counties were recognized for the work of the Tri-County ASAP Board, UNITE Boyd County/Champions Coalition and the Healthy Choices Healthy Communities workgroup. In partnership, these groups created The Neighborhood, a one-stop center for those in need of assistance. The region also benefits from the University of Kentucky’s King’s Daughters Medical Center, which has been partnered with Pathways since 2019 to support those suffering from addiction and mental health crises. Further, the Carter, Greenup and Boyd County Quick Response Team also assists local community partners to perform outreach.
“Together, we’re building a future where recovery is not only possible – but fully supported,” Scott Murphy, director of community impact at Ramey-Estep/Re-group, said in the release. “We’re not just checking boxes, we’re changing lives. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and even more excited for what’s ahead.”