FRANKFORT, Ky. — People across Kentucky were at the state Capitol Wednesday for an important cause: Recovery Advocacy Day 2024.

Cassandra Clay understands what it feels like to be in recovery from substance use. Years ago, she told Spectrum News 1 that crack cocaine grabbed ahold of her life, which she said took her mind, body and soul. 

She will celebrate 15 years of sobriety March 10. 

“It’s been a long road," Clay said. "It’s been some ups and downs, some ‘no-matter-what’s’, but recovery has afforded me to have a new way of life, to follow my dreams and to aim for more goals.”

Born and raised in Lexington, Clay is the mother of four adult children and a grandmother of 15. She joined hundreds of others Wednesday for the occasion. 

“When you have fought for the inches that become the feet, that become the miles of progress, you can look back over the last years and see your good work, the number of lives saved," said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky. "People getting back with their families, repairing their lives, restoring their faith; you help people one life at a time, but you are helping this Commonwealth in so many incredible ways.” 

Kentucky was one of just eight states in 2022 that saw a significant decrease in overdose deaths, Beshear said. 

“Look at the hard work we’ve done together these last four years; in Kentucky, we have increased our number of treatment beds by 50%," Beshear said. "We now have the proof and the data point: Kentucky now has more treatment beds per capita than any state in the entire country."

Clay was there as Beshear showed the crowd the official proclamation recognizing Recovery Advocacy Day in the Commonwealth. 

“I know he supports people in recovery, so I really feel good about it," Clay said. "It’s something that’s needed.”

Clay continues her work at two Lexington recovery centers, all while loving her children and grandchildren.