Knott, Lawrence and Floyd counties are being granted the “recovery ready community” title by the Commonwealth for their work in curbing substance use disorder.
The state gives that title to counties that focus on addiction prevention, treatment and recovery.
Knott County was recognized for its drop-in youth addiction center for those aged 14 to 25, alongside the Beacons of Hope rehab center in Hazard.
Lawrence County was recognized for Millard College’s work helping those in recovery get “second-chance” employment opportunities.
Floyd County District Judge Tyler Green credits his community’s success to the expansion of treatment courts, which helps people get access to recovery services.
“We're working hard through our specialty courts programs, which include drug court, veterans’ court, and as of January 1 will include a mental health court,” Green said. “This year alone, in Floyd County, we've had 35 graduates of our specialty courts program, and that's going to continue to grow.”
The announcement brings the number of certified counties in the Commonwealth to 21.
The program began in 2023 after a bill passed in 2021 creating the Advisory Council for Recovery Ready Communities.
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