Local organizations that serve Montgomery County awarded funds to combat drug epidemic

Attorney General Russell Coleman announced ;nearly $34 million was awarded by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission to more than 100 Kentucky organizations to combat the drug epidemic throughout the Commonwealth. General Coleman announced the awards at Lexington’s Woodhill Community Center. The Attorney General was joined by Executive Director of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission Chris Evans and the Lexington Leadership Foundation’s CEO Christian Postel, Youth Empowerment Director Marcus Patrick and Jared Sloan of the Recovery through Fatherhood Initiative. Twenty other grant recipients from across the region also attended the event.

The Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission approved grant applications in three categories: Treatment/Recovery, Prevention and—for the first time—Research and Innovation. General Coleman urged the Commission to create the new research-focused grant opportunity to keep Kentucky on the cutting-edge of the fight against addiction. The Commission awarded more than $3.6 million in six grants for Research and Innovation.

Since its creation by the General Assembly in 2021, the commission has invested more than $100 million in Kentucky communities. Today’s announcement represents the largest single disbursement to date.

“I’m deeply grateful we have the opportunity to turn the pain of the drug crisis into progress. We owe it to every family affected to use these resources responsibility. By investing in these outstanding organizations across Kentucky, we can build a future where fewer lives are lost and more people find a path to healing,” said Attorney General Coleman.

“Today’s announcement confirms that organizations across the Commonwealth are prepared to deliver meaningful results for those battling the opioid crisis. By partnering with over 100 organizations, the Commission and the Attorney General are fulfilling their commitment to provide life-changing support and drive real progress in our communities,” said Opioid Abatement Commission Director Evans.

Among those receiving grant awards for 2026-2027 for prevention efforts are:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass for education, early intervention and community engagement to prevent first-time opioid use, address mental health need, and promote resilience among vulnerable populations. It is for program continuation of the high school mentoring program with the amount approved $144,331.00 for two years. BBBS of the Bluegrass serves Fayette, Scott, Clark, Montgomery and Jessamine counties.

• Morehead StateUniversity to expand the Tools in the Toolbox youth program, MSU Collegiate Recovery Resource Center. The funding amount is $235,000 for two years. Service areas include Rowan, Montgomery, Boyd and Floyd.

• NewSong Counseling Center, to support youth programming in the region, for empowering communities: expanding mentorship and group services to support adults in empowering children. The funding amount is $37,802 for one year.

• St. Claire Regional Medical Center, to support educational programs in schools for Youth Prevention Ambassadors. The funding amount is $249,759 for two years. The service area includes Boyd, Carter, Clark, Montgomery and Rowan counties.

• The University of Kentucky Research Foundation Education to support Planet Youth programming, specifically #IChampionHealth Live Like a Champion: Expanding Youth Substance-Use Prevention (Grades 4-8) Through Statewide Regional Train-the-Trainer Partnerships. The funding amount is 198,906 for two years. The service area is Fayette, Lawrence, Rowan and Montgomery.

The Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission approved grant applications in three categories: Treatment/Recovery, Prevention and—for the first time—Research and Innovation. General Coleman urged the Commission to create the new research-focused grant opportunity to keep Kentucky on the cutting-edge of the fight against addiction. The commission awarded more than $3.6 million in six grants for research and innovation.