VERSAILLES, Ky. — Woodford County is known for its horse farms, bourbon and now being Recovery Ready. It’s a designation from the state that measures a city or county’s substance use disorder recovery efforts.

What You Need To Know

  • Woodford County achieved Recovery Ready status in October 

  • It's a designation that measures a city/county's substance use disorder recovery efforts 

  • Versailles Police officers have been carrying Narcan since 2017 and assist drug users seeking help without fear of arrest 

  • Over 2,100 Kentuckians died in 2022 due to overdose

Cassie Prather with the Woodford County Health Department says the designation, Recovery Ready, is a launching pad.

“It’s basically a way to assemble a team of folks that are working for the same goal,” said Prather, the public health director at Woodford County Health Department.

That goal is making sure those struggling with addiction have adequate access to harm reduction, treatment centers and recovery support. Prather said the health department employs a full-time harm reduction specialist, trained in syringe exchange and getting people the help they need.

“Folks that visit harm reduction programs are four times more likely to seek help and to seek recovery,” Prather said.

It’s a team effort between with stakeholders from the entire community, especially first responders. Versailles Police officers have been carrying the overdose-reversing Narcan as part of their uniform since 2017.

“Between then and today’s date, we’ve administered over 100 doses of Narcan to someone struggling with an overdose,” said Chief Mike Murray.

Murray also said since 2018, the department has had an angel program.

“Those individuals struggling with addiction, looking for an avenue treatment; they can come to the police department without fear of being arrested or being judged and we will try to find a suitable treatment facility that’s compatible for that individual,” Murray said.

Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott said it’s an acknowledgment of the work put in but also an effort to continue moving forward.

“I think it also is a challenge to continue to do better and make sure we’re focusing on issues like that,” Traugott said.

Over 2,100 Kentuckians lost their lives in 2022 due to overdose. Kentucky was one of eight states to have a significant decrease in overdose deaths.

Versailles Police also employs a full-time victim advocate who follows up with individuals, officers encounter on an overdose call to see how she can be of help.

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