Three more Kentucky counties have been designated as Recovery Ready Communities by Gov. Andy Beshear, signaling their commitment to providing residents with access to addiction treatment and recovery support. Meade, Pike and Wolfe counties join a growing network of Kentucky communities working to combat substance use disorder and support residents seeking help for drug and alcohol addiction.

The Recovery Ready Communities Certification Program is designed to measure a city or county's substance use disorder recovery efforts by evaluating treatment programs and interventions in a framework intended to maximize positive public health outcomes. Communities must demonstrate they have accessible addiction treatment services, recovery support groups, mental health resources and community programs designed to help people rebuild their lives.

The three new certifications bring the total number of Recovery Ready Communities to 42 counties across Kentucky, providing more than 2.2 million Kentuckians—nearly half the state's population—with access to addiction services. By designating Meade, Pike and Wolfe counties as Recovery Ready, the state is ensuring access to treatment assistance for thousands more residents in those regions.

The designation comes as Kentucky continues to see progress in its fight against drug overdoses. Overdose deaths in the commonwealth have decreased for three straight years, with a 30.2% drop in 2024 compared to the previous year.

"The more counties that we can designate as Recovery Ready, the more lives we can save," Beshear has previously stated about the initiative.

The Recovery Ready Communities program encourages jurisdictions to provide transportation to employment services and job interviews, allowing Kentuckians to make positive changes in their lives while contributing to the workforce. The program also emphasizes peer support, anti-stigma training for public officials, employer resources and continuing education opportunities for those seeking recovery.

For those struggling with addiction, the KY HELP Call Center can connect individuals to treatment by calling 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357). Additional resources are available at FindHelpNowKy.org and FindRecoveryHousingNowKY.org.