Kentucky Adds Four Counties to ‘Recovery Ready’ Program, expanding Addiction Support
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor andy Beshear today announced Estill, Henderson, Lewis, and Warren counties have earned the designation of “Recovery Ready Communities,” bolstering access to vital addiction treatment and recovery resources for nearly 220,000 additional Kentuckians.
The “Recovery Ready” initiative,launched in 2023,assesses and recognizes cities and counties for thier efforts in addressing substance use disorder. With the addition of these four counties, a total of 35 Kentucky counties now hold the designation, collectively providing support to 1.9 million residents and working to remove barriers to employment for individuals in recovery.
“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 thay deserve to live a full, healthy life,” said Governor Beshear.
The proclamation comes alongside reported progress in the state’s fight against addiction. Kentucky has seen overdose deaths decrease for the third year in a row, with a 30.2% drop in 2024 compared to previous years. Law enforcement efforts have also intensified, with the Kentucky State Police seizing nearly $9 million worth of drugs thru october, including over 5,500 grams of fentanyl, nearly 32,000 grams of cocaine, and more than 102,000 grams of methamphetamine. Operation Summer Heat 2.0 resulted in 197 arrests targeting drug networks.
Further supporting these efforts,over $1.4 million in federal grant funding was distributed in September to nine state and local agencies through the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to combat drug trafficking. The state is also taking steps to address emerging threats, moving to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine as a Schedule I narcotic, effectively banning its sale, possession, and distribution.
Kentuckians struggling with addiction,or those who know someone who is,can find help by calling 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357). A thorough list of treatment programs across the state is available online at https://findhelpnow.org/ky.
