Lee and Owsley Counties have used opioid abatement funding in meaningful and forward-thinking ways, strengthening both immediate response efforts and long-term prevention strategies.
This has contributed to the success and expansion of The Hub model across the Kentucky River District. Originating in Lee County in 2022, The Hub helps those in recovery train for in-demand career fields.
Progress would not be possible without the bold leadership and strategic investments made by these local fscal courts and community partners.
Lee County has been a strong and proactive partner in supporting The Hub through strategic investment in a comprehensive Barrier Relief Initiative and Emergency Food and Meals Program.
By funding stabilization supports such as identification documents, transportation to treatment and court appointments, hygiene supplies, clothing and food assistance, Lee County has allowed the Kentucky River District Health Department (KRDHD) to address the foundational barriers that often prevent individuals living with opioid use disorder (OUD) from engaging in services. In meeting basic needs first, trust is built, improving follow through with treatment and recovery plans, reduce crisis-driven service use, and create sustainable pathways toward housing, employment and long-term recovery.
In addition, Lee County has invested in prevention through the development of a Youth Coalition Project, empowering young leaders to design and implement youth-led prevention strategies that strengthen community resilience for future generations.
The Owsley County Fiscal Court has demonstrated extraordinary leadership by investing in infrastructure, transportation and startup funding to establish The Hub. The county provided a dedicated building, donated a 15-passenger van to address rural transportation barriers, and allocated $20,000 in startup funds to ensure immediate service delivery.
As a result, The Hub in Owsley County provides comprehensive risk reduction services, peer support, recovery coaching, case management, linkage to treatment and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), transportation assistance, barrier relief, hygiene and basic needs support and recovery meetings.
The van has significantly expanded access to care in a region where transportation is often the greatest barrier. Owsley County also is investing in prevention by developing a youth-led coalition focused on leadership development and early intervention. This comprehensive and compassionate approach positions Owsley County as a model for rural response and recovery.
In addition to these established sites, KRDHD is currently working with additional counties throughout the Kentucky River District to expand The Hub model. The response from local leadership has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong interest in using opioid abatement funds to strengthen risk reduction efforts, address stabilization gaps for individuals in active addiction, and create community-centered recovery access points.
This growing regional support reflects both the demonstrated impact of The Hub model and the shared commitment across our district to compassionate, accountable and sustainable solutions.
Across all counties, these opioid abatement investments reflect a unified commitment to strengthening community response to the opioid crisis. By addressing immediate stabilization needs, investing in infrastructure and transportation, expanding frontline services and supporting youth prevention initiatives, our local leaders are not only responding to the current crisis but also building a stronger, more resilient future for the Kentucky River region.
KRDHD is deeply grateful for the partnership, trust and vision demonstrated by each county. Their leadership has allowed The Hub to continue evolving as a frontline, community-driven model that meets people where they are and works alongside them toward recovery.
JoAnn Fraley serves as The Hub director and is the Harm Reduction Program Manager for the Kentucky River District Health Department, which serves Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe Counties.
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