$34 million awarded to fight Kentucky’s drug epidemic

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Thursday that nearly $34 million has been awarded to more than 100 organizations across Kentucky to combat the ongoing drug crisis.

The funding, distributed by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, marks the largest single round of grants since the commission was created in 2021. The awards cover three main areas: Treatment and Recovery, Prevention, and a newly introduced Research and Innovation category. More than $3.6 million was set aside specifically for research efforts aimed at advancing addiction science.

Speaking at Lexington’s Woodhill Community Center, Coleman stressed the need to use settlement funds wisely to reduce overdose deaths and support long-term recovery.

Among the recipients, the Lexington Leadership Foundation received more than $450,000 to support its Fatherhood Initiative and expand its Youth Empowerment Program across Fayette, Jessamine, and Scott counties.

The commission oversees the distribution of Kentucky’s share of $1 billion secured through settlements with companies tied to the opioid crisis. So far, more than $100 million has been invested into communities statewide to support recovery and prevention efforts.

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