Ky. receiving $40 million in federal funding for opioid, mental health

These funds will allow us to help more Kentuckians suffering from addiction

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – More than $39.3 million in federal funding for opioid response efforts and mental health services for Kentuckians, including those impacted by the December tornado outbreak in western Kentucky, was announced Monday by Gov. Andy Beshear.

Kentucky’s opioid response program will receive a $35.9 million grant to combat addiction and support recovery statewide, while the state will receive an additional $3.4 million for behavioral health services for victims of last December’s storms and tornadoes, where 80 people lost their lives.

“These funds will allow us to help more Kentuckians suffering from addiction, as well as help those who lived through the deadliest tornado outbreak in our history recuperate from the trauma they experienced,” Gov. Beshear said. “These have been challenging times, but Kentuckians are good people … tough people … resilient people. And these challenges cannot break us – we will overcome and rebuild together.”

The State Opioid Response grant for $35,912,100 from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will help address opioid addiction and the overdose epidemic. The grant program provides funding for increasing access to FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid addiction and for supporting prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery support services. It also supports care for drug abuse, including for cocaine and methamphetamine.  The program helps reduce overdose deaths and closes the gap in treatment needs by providing funding for evidence-based practices and supports.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Case Management Program has approved $3,429,000 to boost existing disaster assistance in 16 western Kentucky counties impacted by last December’s storms and tornadoes.  The Cabinet for Health and Family Services, or CHFS, will contract with Community Action of Kentucky to manage and coordinate the program. Community Action Agencies will be contracted by Community Action of Kentucky to deliver services.

“In our work to restore and renew storm-stricken parts of our state, we have an obligation to prioritize behavioral needs and mental wellness,” said CHFS Secretary Eric Friedlander. “We are pleased to be a part of this collaborative approach that will assist people who have suffered greatly.”

Storm victim aid includes employment, home repair, financial assistance, health coverage, food assistance and more.

Information on the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort can be found at the program’s web page or call 502-782-7691.

For more about mental health assistance for storm victims, locate the county on this Community Action of Kentucky map, which has contact information.