Counties remain at the forefront of addressing the opioid crisis with KACo providing guidance on both compliant and evidence-based use of settlement funds, ensuring that investments are strategic, impactful and sustainable.
A major step was taken recently with the KACo Opioid Solutions Network launching its inaugural program kickoff meeting in Boone County on April 27-28, bringing together more than 40 county leaders and partners committed to addressing the opioid crisis.
The meeting opened with Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore welcoming participants and providing important context on the historic opioid settlement funds.
In 2016, Moore served as co-chair of a national opioid task force convened by the National Association of Counties and the National League of Cities. He reflected on the years of advocacy and litigation that led to the national settlements, emphasizing the responsibility and opportunity counties have to invest in meaningful solutions.
Participants heard a powerful keynote from John Bowman, who shared his personal addiction and incarceration story and the lifechanging impact that strategic, evidence-based investments can have. Bowman, who is the Kentucky senior campaign organizer for Dream.org, helps improve drug policies in the state by engaging with local agencies and key stakeholders.
Throughout the two-day program, attendees engaged in a variety of learning opportunities. Sessions featured subject matter experts, as well as peer-to-peer learning among county officials.
Leaders from the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, law enforcement officers and social work professionals shared real-world perspectives on responding to substance use in their communities.
Judge Moore, Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann and Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery highlighted how regional partnerships can strengthen local responses and improve outcomes.
Attendees also toured the Life Learning Center in Kenton County where they saw firsthand how opioid settlement dollars are being used to support recovery and workforce reentry. The visit provided a tangible example of how thoughtful investment can create lasting impact at the community level.
Sedayah Plappert, a peer support specialist in Carroll County, is one of the participants in the KACo Opioid Solutions Network. She said this first meeting reinforced progress made in battling the opioid crisis and the work still needed to build on that.
“What stood out most is that meaningful change isn’t some distant goal—it’s already within reach,” Plappert said. “When (opioid settlement) funds are used with purpose, we can strengthen prevention for our youth, expand access to treatment, and create real pathways to recovery for those still struggling.”
Over the next six months, participating counties of the Opioid Solutions Network will develop action plans and strategies, culminating in the completion of the program and positioning county officials to make meaningful progress in combating the opioid epidemic in their communities.
To learn more about the opioid settlement funds in Kentucky, go to https://kaco.org/county-information/opioid-settlement/.
