Organizations around Rowan County are working to support addiction recovery services in the area. UK St. Claire is aiming to secure Opioid Abatement grant funding to give people in recovery options for a better future through two local programs.
Officials said Rowan County faces a dual identity, hosting a vibrant community while battling one of the highest overdose death rates in the Commonwealth. Don Lloyd, president and CEO of UK St. Claire, said the potential money gives community organizations a common goal.
“These collaborative relationships that are developed and formed with recovery organizations, sometimes law enforcement agencies, the courts,” said Lloyd. "They enable us all to bring our particular expertise together collectively for the benefit of the individuals that are on the recovery journey.”
The grant, if received, would be distributed to two initiatives: Recovery Rowan County and First Day Forward. Recovery Rowan County works to develop accessible care for the community, while First Day Forward works within the detention center to build care and career opportunities.
Lloyd said achieving sobriety is just one of the difficult challenges those in recovery face.
“It’s getting society to re-accept and trust again and to give them opportunities to prove themselves once again,” said Lloyd.
The Rowan County Fiscal Court has already committed $10,000 in abatement funding to Recovery Rowan County. Officials said grant funding is a crucial step in bringing resources to individuals impacted by the region’s opioid epidemic.