LEXINGTON, Ky. — The City of Lexington Fire Department is getting thousands of dollars to help fight the opioid epidemic.

What You Need To Know

  • Lexington Fire Dept. receives DOJ grant to battle opioids

  • $511,078 will allow Lexington to provide services to survivors of overdoses

  • Latest grant Barr has helped secured for Lexington's opioid battle

  • The grant is from the U.S. Department of Justice's Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program

U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton secured a $511,078 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COAASP). The grant will allow Lexington to continue to provide services for survivors of overdoses. This includes casework management, treatment providers, housing assistance, and mental health resources.

“During the pandemic, it is important now more than ever to maintain our investments in substance abuse prevention, response, and recovery efforts,” said Congressman Barr.“

Mayor Gorton said, “Substance use disorders have been sapping the life out of our City, and having an impact on the quality of life, workforce and city services. The isolation many people are experiencing because of COVID-19 has driven up overdose rates, erasing much of the progress we made in recent years.”

The Lexington Fire Department grant is the latest grant secured by Barr to help deal with the opioid crisis.  In October, Lexington's SHepherd's House, a recovery center, received a $433,903 grant and UK's HEALing Communities research received $87 million to help reduce opioid deaths. 

Deborah Harbsmeier is the executive producer of digital content for Spectrum News 1 Kentucky.  The award-winning producer has been in television news for 30 years.