State lawmakers spoke with members of the Kentucky Association of Independent Recovery Organizations last week to discuss ways to improve addiction treatment policy ahead of the upcoming general legislative session.
That included talks on how to increase the amount of behavioral health practitioners across the state, as well as job training and the role employment plays for those in recovery.
John Wilson is the association’s chairman and market president of Addiction Recovery Care. He says it’s an issue that should unite lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
“I think we can all agree that getting people back to becoming productive citizens and giving back is good not only for those folks, it's good for Kentucky,” Wilson said.
KAIROS members like Wilson highlighted some of the biggest factors for success for those coming out of treatment. That includes available opportunities in the workforce.
“In a place like Kentucky, where we have one of the nation's lowest job participation rates or labor participation rates, we need to invest in this demographic of people who can really give back,” Wilson said.
House Bill 248 was passed last session, establishing standards for recovery residences in Kentucky. Wilson says he’d like to improve on that progress when legislators meet for regular session this January.
