KACo recently hosted its first session of the 2025 Opioid Solutions webinar series, focusing on combating substance use through youth prevention initiatives.
Led by KACo’s Opioid Settlement Advisor Lauren Carr, attendees heard from Graves and Floyd County leaders about local initiatives, explored the Kentucky Youth Advocates’ new Opioid Dashboard, and learned actionable strategies to help youth avoid substance use.
Download slides from the webinar here. View a recording of the webinar here.
Opioid Solutions Webinar Series
Join KACo staff along with local, state and national experts each month as we discuss and highlight how counties are using their opioid settlement funds in innovative, effective and sustainable ways.
The next webinar will focus on the impact of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in addressing the opioid crisis. County leaders will share insights on local initiatives, and Dan Meloy, Director of Operations at O2SL and QRT National, will discuss collaborative strategies to support vulnerable populations. Register here.
A Focus on Community Impact
Tyler Goodman, Graves County Commissioner, emphasized the transformative impact of local initiatives funded through opioid settlement dollars, including the Graves County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy/Prevent (ASAP). “Graves County ASAP’s dedication to youth prevention, mental health awareness, and harm reduction strategies has created a tangible community impact,” Goodman said.
He praised the coalition’s efforts in empowering young leaders and reducing stigma, adding, “our Fiscal Court celebrates their work at every opportunity because it’s a great story of community-driven change.”
Courtney Jeffries, who leads the Graves County ASAP program, discussed key initiatives like Friday Night Done Right, which gives teens safe spaces to socialize, and You Are Loved, a mental health awareness campaign. “With support from the opioid settlement funds, we’ve been able to expand our programs and provide teens with tools and positive experiences to help them make good choices,” Jeff explained.
Learn more about the Graves County ASAP program here.
Innovative Partnerships in Floyd County
Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams discussed his county’s partnership with Family Resource Youth Services Centers to address the needs of children affected by the opioid crisis.
“Many of our youth are being raised in non-traditional homes, and our initiative provides critical counseling and wraparound services,” Williams explained.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between local government and schools, stating, “It’s a challenging process, but the shared goal of supporting our youth makes it worthwhile.”
Data-Driven Prevention with Kentucky Youth Advocates
Tara Grieshop-Goodwin, Chief Impact Officer for Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA), introduced the organization's Opioid Data Dashboard, a powerful tool designed to track the impact of the opioid crisis on children and families across Kentucky. “This dashboard is about prevention—highlighting risk factors, tracking progress, and providing actionable ideas to support local communities,” Goodwin said.
The dashboard includes county-level data on metrics like neonatal abstinence syndrome and youth substance use, along with evidence-based programs to guide community action. “Our goal is to empower counties with the resources and insights they need to make a meaningful impact and ultimately prevent future generations from facing the same challenges,” Goodwin explained.
Check out the dashboard here.
Tools for Youth Prevention
Daniel Hatcher from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation shared strategies that help youth avoid substance use.
“Simple actions, like mentoring programs or creating opportunities for peer connection, can build resilience and support positive youth development,” Hatcher said.
He also introduced tools like The Walking Classroom, a program that combines physical activity and learning to strengthen community ties and self-esteem in youth.
Learn more about the Alliance for a Healthier Generation here.
Looking Ahead
As KACo’s Opioid Solutions webinar series continues, counties across Kentucky will have the opportunity to share their successes and learn from peers. KACo encourages local leaders to engage with these resources and adopt innovative approaches to prevention.
For more information about upcoming webinars and other resources, visit KACo’s Opioid Settlement Resource page here.
