LEXINGTON, Ky. — Eleven nonprofits across Kentucky are getting money to help address the opioid epidemic. They aim to focus their efforts on supporting underserved communities.

What You Need To Know

  •  Eleven nonprofits in Louisville, Lexington, Newport and Ashland received funding to address the opioid epidemic, with a focus on supporting communities of color

  • This is part of the “Funding for Recovery Equity and Expansion Program” by the “Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky”

  • Almost $50,000 is going to “Voices of Hope”, a recovery center that supports people who are struggling with addiction

  • The nonprofit will use the money toward several initiatives, including DEI training and to launch a campaign to educate communities of color about recovery

“Voices of Hope,” is one nonprofit selected for the “Funding for Recovery Equity and Expansion (FREE) Program.” It’s part of the “Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.”

“We’re very excited and grateful to be receiving this funding and to be a part of this,” said Gary Biggers, a program coordinator at “Voices of Hope.”

The FREE Program’s goal is to reduce overdose deaths, specifically among people of color.

From 2019 to 2020, drug overdose deaths increased by 44% among Black people, according to the CDC. That’s compared to 22% among white people.

“We want to try to reduce those deaths and make sure that the harm that these people are facing is reduced, so we have contracted with 11 different groups here in the Commonwealth who are making efforts to try to impact that problem,” said Ben Chandler, the president and CEO of the “Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky”.

Nearly $50,000 is going to “Voices of Hope.” That will pay for a screening and listening session for people in the BIPOC community at the Lyric Theater on Feb. 28, 2024.

The nonprofit also plans to launch a campaign to educate communities of color about recovery and resources. All staff members will also participate in diversity, equity and inclusion training.

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