Clark, Johnson, Madison and Mason counties have been announced as certified Recovery Ready Communities by the Governor’s Office, expanding access to assistance for drug and alcohol addiction for an additional 176,000 Kentuckians.
More than 2.1 million Kentuckians now have access to addiction services through the 39 counties that have been certified as Recovery Ready Communities, building on three straight years of declines in overdose deaths and recently announced record low recidivism rates.
Madison County
Enrich One-Stop Community Resource and Referral Hub is the centerpiece of Madison County’s recovery efforts. The program provides access to health care and mental health resources, addiction treatment, emergency shelter and housing services, Casey’s Law support and more.
Enrich One-Stop, paired with the county health department’s highly effective mobile outreach harm reduction program, ensures wraparound services and support are provided to any of Madison County's almost 100,000 residents who need addiction services.
“Madison County becoming a certified Recovery Ready Community is a proud moment for our community and a testament to the many people who have worked tirelessly to make this possible,” Madison County Judge/Executive Reagan Taylor said. “From prevention and education efforts to treatment, rehabilitation, Drug Court programs, and employers willing to offer second chances, we are building a network of support that helps people reclaim their lives.
“I want to thank the dedicated professionals, community partners and volunteers who have invested their time and passion into this effort,” Taylor added. “Their collaboration and commitment are helping create real, generational change in our community. There’s a return on investment when you invest in people’s lives, and in Madison County we are always going to invest in people because that makes Madison County better.”
Mason County
Comprehend’s REACH outpatient addiction treatment clinic provides residents of Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason and Robertson counties access to addiction medications, mental health care and other evidence-based behavioral health services.
The county’s addiction intervention for its more than 17,000 residents is further supported by Sutton’s Landing – 40 units of permanent supportive housing for Mason Countians who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness – operated by Welcome House Inc. Sutton’s Landing provides residents with on-site services such as counseling, addiction recovery and financial management.
“As judge/executive, I’m incredibly proud of Mason County’s designation as a Recovery Ready Community,” Mason County Judge/Executive Owen McNeill said. "Sadly, many families across Mason County, from Maysville to Mayslick and Dover to Lewisburg, have all in some way been affected by addiction, however today, I’m incredibly proud of our efforts in combating this national epidemic.
“Countless community agencies and individual representatives have worked tirelessly on obtaining this designation and, as a community, we’re working hard to turn the tide by coming together as a community with empathy and compassion to ensure all Mason Countians have access to a better life,” McNeill added.
Clark County
Home to nearly 37,000 Kentuckians, Clark County has one of the most active local Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP) boards in the commonwealth.
The board provides a wide number of support groups and recovery resources to those struggling with addiction. The board’s work is also supplemented by the Clark County Health Department’s Recovery Community Center, a model center offering addiction recovery supports including peer support services, recovery meetings, employment supports, sober social events and education support services.
“Receiving the Recovery Ready Communities designation reflects the hard work, collaboration, and commitment of our community partners across Winchester and Clark County, who are dedicated to supporting individuals and families on the path to recovery,” Clark County Health Director Becky Kissick said. “This designation demonstrates that our community believes recovery is possible and that we are committed to providing the services, support and opportunities people need to rebuild their lives. Becoming a Recovery Ready Community is more than a designation—it’s a promise that we will continue working together to strengthen recovery services and create a healthier future for everyone.”
Johnson County
Appalachian Regional Healthcare’s Reverse the Cycle Program at Paintsville ARH Hospital in Johnson County is a model program that provides peer recovery coaches for individuals upon admission to the emergency department. Peer recovery coaches screen for drug and alcohol abuse and provide treatment resources when needed.
Johnson County’s public library provides more than 22,600 county residents with an additional resource, serving as a one-stop resource hub while providing focused youth-oriented interventions, seeking to prevent addition before it begins.
“Johnson County is proud to be recognized as a Recovery Ready Community,” said District Judge D. Brett Butcher, 24th Judicial District Division, Johnson County District Drug and Mental Health Court. “This designation reflects the hard work of our courts, community partners and local leaders. We are grateful for this opportunity, which will help us expand recovery resources and strengthen support for individuals and families in our community.”
