Hardin, McCracken and Scott counties are certified as Recovery Ready Communities, bringing Kentucky’s total to 10

By Al Cross Published February 9, 2024 DRUGS, FEATURED, HEALTH POLICY

Kentucky Health News

Three more counties have been designated as Recovery Ready Communities for their commitment to providing residents with access to addiction treatment and recovery support and removing barriers to the workforce, raising the total to 10 out of 120, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday.

“Thank you, Hardin, McCracken and Scott counties, for leading with judgment instead of division,” Beshear said at a press briefing Thursday.

The three join seven other counties: Boone, Boyle, Campbell, Grant, Kenton, Perry and Woodford. Counties certified as Recovery Ready provide transportation to and from employment services and job interviews, allowing residents to make positive changes in their lives while filling much-needed jobs, and can earn certifiction in other ways.

“Hardin County’s emphasis on educating youth on the impacts of addiction through collaboration with the county’s school system combined with the outreach of the Lincoln Trail District Health Department and the training offered to local school officials makes the county Recovery Ready,” a state news release said. “Not only is it educating all its citizens about the dangers of addiction, but it is providing recovery resources through its participation in an active Agency for Substance Abuse Planning board.”

Sara Jo Best, the health department’s director, said “While this certification highlights the successful work that has been done so far, it also creates an opportunity for additional activities that we can undertake as a community.”

McCracken County won its certification with distinctive ways of fighting addiction. “An entire city block in downtown Paducah has been transformed into a unified campus allowing seamless delivery of services to at-risk youth, addiction treatment and metal health disorders,” the release said. “McCracken County is also home to a mobile access van that serves people throughout the region while working with public and private stakeholders to create a countywide treatment system that is accessible and affordable.”

Scott County’s certification turned on collaboration among local law enforcement and grassroots recovery advocates. “The Georgetown Police Department has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing addiction-related crime and disorder through Operation Hope, which is the agency’s local version of the Kentucky State Police’s Angel Initiative,” the release said. “Additionally, the police and local advocates have worked with local food banks and shelters to ensure local citizens have a place to stay safe and do not need to go hungry.”

To learn more about the program and to apply for certification as a Recovery Ready Community, click here.