Expert Insights
Back in 2017, Kentucky was one of many states to file suit against several giant pharmaceutical manufacturers and companies for their role in creating and contributing to the opioid epidemic. Those pharmaceutical companies – McKesson Corp. and Johnson and Johnson, AmerisourceBergen Corp, and Cardinal Health Inc. – ultimately agreed to a national settlement worth over $26 billion dollars. Louisville will receive over $30 million dollars of that settlement. So, what does the city plan on doing with that money?
The settlement funds in Louisville will be used to create desperately needed treatment and prevention efforts. The first $2.6 million is set to be used in the promotion of long-term recovery by funding transportation and housing for people who are recovering from various addictions. Additionally, funds will be put towards programs that help incarcerated inmates get off (and stay off) drugs. Another $744,000 has been earmarked for the expansion of free Naloxone, known as the anti-overdose drug, overdose prevention programs, and funding prevention programs for Kentucky’s children.
~ Nikki Seay
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Louisville?
About 30% of people who need help did not get into a facility because they do not have healthcare coverage and/or could not afford the cost on their own.
In 2020, 12.28% of Kentucky residents with substance use disorders did not get the help they needed.
Accredited low-cost or free drug rehabs in Louisville receive government funding to help provide care for low-income individuals. Some low-income Kentucky residents may qualify for the state’s voucher program that helps cover the costs of a residential program for drug-related addictions.
A wide variety of options are available for people affected by drug and alcohol use. State-funded facilities may provide the following options in Kentucky:
- Detox centers
- Day treatment
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Residential programs
- Intervention and prevention efforts
Resources
- Louisville Jefferson County Government. (2022). Diversity shines.
- Britannica. (2022). Louisville summary.
- Kentucky Housing Corporation. (2022). Recovery Kentucky.
- Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. (2022). Treatment and recovery resources.
- University of Kentucky. (2022). Start here to find addiction treatment openings.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022, March). Faith-based and community initiatives.
- Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition. (2021). Intervention law.
