Kentucky health officials are reporting overdose deaths at alarming rates. During 2020, nearly 2,000 Kentuckians died from drug overdoses. Advocates are working to reverse many negative factors that have contributed to the deaths including creating opportunities for employment, recovery, and access to education. Read more here.
Legislation & Public Policy
Gov. Beshear Signs Recovery-related Bills into Law
With another legislative session behind us, below is a recap of the criminal justice and recovery-related reforms that passed. All bills listed here have been signed into law by Governor Beshear. For more information on specific bills, please visit the Kentucky LRC website. Senate Bill 51, sponsored by Sen. Ralph Alvarado, removes prior[Read More…]
Kentucky General Assembly Adopts Resolutions to Address Social Determinants of Addiction Recovery
Resolutions urge a more comprehensive approach to addiction treatment and long-term recovery FRANKFORT, Ky. – RECON KY, a statewide coalition committed to helping more Kentuckians reach long-term recovery, applauds the General Assembly for adopting resolutions to recognize the Social Determinants of Addiction Recovery. The resolutions, introduced by Senate President Robert Stivers and Representative Adam Bowling, were[Read More…]
In Focus: Kentucky Chamber on Push to Establish ‘Recovery Ready Communities Across the Commonwealth
A new bill making its way through the General Assembly is aimed at making Kentucky communities “Recovery Ready” — and it already has the support of some of the state’s leading treatment providers and recovery advocates, including the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The legislation, House Bill 7, is sponsored by[Read More…]
General Assembly Considers Criminal Justice Reforms, Legislation to Address Addiction Crisis
Legislation is already moving quickly through the Kentucky General Assembly. House Bill 7, Rep. Bowling’s legislation to create Recovery Ready communities, was voted out of committee last week and now heads to the House floor. You can send a message to your legislators and urge them to vote YES on[Read More…]
Woman completes drug recovery, supports bill ensuring ‘recovery ready’ communities
In 2017, Desiree Powell of Bowling Green was incarcerated for drug charges. Today, she’s using her experience navigating the criminal justice system to advocate for her fellow Kentuckians who are struggling with substance use disorders. As Kentucky continues to deal with a major addiction epidemic, Desiree is calling on legislators[Read More…]
Time for Kentucky to Create “Recovery Ready” Communities
FRANKFORT, Ky. – December 14, 2020 – Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, substance use in Kentucky has been on the rise, exacerbating an already serious addiction crisis that has taken thousands of lives and impacted many more. In response, Rep. Adam Bowling has pre-filed legislation to encourage a more comprehensive approach to[Read More…]