As communities across Kentucky work to address the opioid crisis, one thing is clear: effective treatment saves lives - and local governments are stepping up in powerful ways.
In highlighting this, KACo will host the next installment of its Opioid Solutions webinar series, focused on expanding access to treatment through local innovation on May 8, at 11 a.m. EST.
Leaders who are redefining what treatment access looks like at the county level will be featured in this one-hour session, including leaders from Hardin and Boyd counties, as well as the University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health.
Hardin County Attorney Jenny Oldham will share how her office used opioid abatement funds to create a treatment coordinator position, directly supporting individuals needing care in navigating the court system. She’ll walk through how the need was identified, the impact the coordinator is already having, and how other counties can replicate this approach.
Boyd County Jailer Bill Hensley will discuss the development of a treatment program inside the Boyd County Detention Center. With the support of abatement funding, the jail has introduced programming that includes Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, giving incarcerated individuals a real chance at recovery. Jailer Hensley will speak to the opportunities, obstacles and early successes of this important work.
Rounding out the conversation, Hallie Mattingly from the Rapid Implementation and Technical Assistance Hub at the University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health will provide an overview of the technical assistance available to counties looking to build or strengthen treatment-related initiatives. From peer supports to treatment navigation and deflection programs, the RITA Hub offers expertise and partnership to support counties at every stage.
Together, these speakers will provide practical insights, replicable strategies and a vision for how local governments can use opioid settlement funds to build sustainable recovery infrastructure.
For additional resources on treatment and reentry strategies, explore these guides from the National Association of Counties:
