Kentucky’s fight against the opioid crisis is getting a multi-million-dollar boost, and Western Kentucky is seeing a significant slice of that funding. As part of a record-breaking announcement, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville is one of more than 100 organizations across the Commonwealth awarded new resources to combat the drug epidemic.
Attorney General Russell Coleman announced nearly $34 million in grants Thursday at Lexington’s Woodhill Community Center. State officials noted this represents the largest single disbursement from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission since its inception.
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville was specifically awarded $405,471 for a two-year prevention program. The initiative will target Hopkins, Muhlenberg, Webster, Caldwell, and McLean counties—focusing on education, early intervention, and mental health support.
General Coleman says the state is committed to turning the pain of the drug crisis into progress by investing in local organizations that find a path to healing.
The funds are part of a one-billion-dollar settlement with corporations held responsible for the opioid epidemic. Under state law, half of those funds are distributed directly to cities and counties, while the Commission manages the remainder for statewide grants.
