Recovery Ready Communities applications now open in Kentucky

Kentucky communities can now apply for Recovery Ready designation through the state.

House Bill 7, sponsored by Rep. Adam Bowling (R-Middlesboro) and passed during the 2021 legislative session, established a framework for communities to become “Recovery Ready,” bringing much-needed consistency to local substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. The bill sought to ensure Kentuckians struggling with substance use disorder are supported in their communities.

And on Thursday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced communities are now eligible to apply for this certification, which measures their services to residents seeking help for drug or alcohol addiction in three different categories: prevention, treatment, and recovery support.

Recovery Ready certification encourages communities to provide transportation to and from employment services and job interviews, allowing Kentuckians to make positive changes in their lives while helping to fill much-needed jobs and improve the Commonwealth’s below-average workforce participation rate.

The certification program is being run by the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy and Volunteers of America (VOA) Mid-States.

After applying, communities will undergo an evaluation process, including a site visit and assessment from VOA staff, who will then make a recommendation to the Advisory Council for a decision on certification. Communities that are not initially designated as Recovery Ready will receive an explanation for the denial as well as an offer of technical assistance from VOA to help formulate new programs or interventions necessary to achieve certification. Once improvements are made, communities are encouraged to reapply and get certified. There is no application deadline.

Find the Recovery Ready Communities website with information and a link to apply here.