McConnell Helps Secure Nearly $2 Million to Combat Opioid Abuse in Kentucky

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will distribute $1,908,214 to three Kentucky organizations through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP).

     Baptist Health Foundation (Baptist Health) in Corbin, Kentucky, will receive $750,000, Memorial Hospital Inc. in Manchester, Kentucky will receive $500,000, and WestCare Kentucky in Ashcamp, Kentucky, will receive $658,214 through today’s distribution. Senator McConnell sent a letter of support to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Carole Johnson on behalf of Baptist Health.

     As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell supports funding for RCORP during the annual appropriations process. To date, the Senator has helped secure more than $700 million in competitive and block grant funding to combat drug abuse in Kentucky.

    “The substance abuse epidemic has hollowed out communities across the nation, especially here in the Commonwealth. Now more than ever it’s important that we utilize every tool we have to combat this crisis and save lives,” said Senator McConnell. “The funding announced today will help several Kentucky recovery centers fund programs that treat opioid addiction, helping Kentuckians struggling with substance abuse return to healthy and productive lives. I’m proud to support RCORP in the Senate and am glad to see its resources go to impactful organizations in the Commonwealth.”

     We are honored to be awarded federal funding that will allow us the opportunity to create new access points for mental health and addiction treatment and recovery services. Additionally, this grant will give us the resources to develop a workforce development plan aimed to address the shortage of addiction and mental health professionals in the region. We are extremely grateful to Senator McConnell for his advocacy for quality healthcare services that improve the quality of lives of Kentuckians,” said CEO of Baptist Health Gerard Colman.