When more than 44,000 Kentuckians over the age of 26 are dependent on drugs and alcohol, you know there is a major problem.
Drug and alcohol addiction, along with the troubles it creates, is one of the Commonwealth’s greatest challenges.
Tackling substance abuse takes creativity and collaboration.
One innovative way we are making progress is through the Recovery Kentucky program.
Aimed at helping Kentuckians recover from substance abuse, which often leads to chronic homelessness, this initiative provides services at centers across the Commonwealth.
Each facility is a supportive housing development and uses a recovery program model that includes peer support, daily living skills training, job responsibilities and challenges to practice sober living.
Today, at the Brighton Recovery Center for Women in Florence, I announced that six locations will receive $250,000 federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to assist with operating costs.
In addition to Florence, centers in Erlanger, Henderson, Evarts, Richmond and Hopkinsville will receive a grant.
The CDBG program is administered by the Department for Local Government, which has partnered with the Department of Corrections and the Kentucky Housing Corporation on the Recovery Kentucky effort.
Other centers that have received funding include the CenterPoint Recovery Center for Men in Paducah, which I visited yesterday, and facilities located in Morehead, Owensboro and Campbellsville.
From homelessness to poverty to domestic violence, substance abuse is associated with many serious issues affecting our communities.
Supporting Recovery Kentucky centers is a key way to treat those in need while addressing the root problems of these issues.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recognized the effectiveness of this type of supportive housing and recovery program, calling it “A Model That Works.”
It is proven to help people who face the most complex challenges to live more stable, productive lives.
With the cooperation of state organizations and the commitment of local centers, we can have a significant impact by emphasizing a future that is not dependent on drugs but on positive lifestyle choices.
I look forward to seeing the progress that is made by individuals who participate in this program and the difference it makes for all of Kentucky.