Lexington, Ky. (June 21, 2022) – RECON KY, a consortium working to promote long-term recovery in Kentucky, today honored its 2022 Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame inductees.

• Former U.S. Congressman and Governor Ernie Fletcher and former Governor Steve Beshear are recipients of the Congressman Hal Rogers Award, which recognizes Kentucky policymakers, elected officials or public officials who have advocated for legislation and public policies to address the addiction crisis and help more Kentuckians reach long-term recovery from substance use disorders.
• Mike Barry is the recipient of the Jay Davidson Award, which recognizes an individual in recovery who has helped to support Kentuckians in their journeys to long-term recovery.
• DV8 Kitchen is the Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame’s inaugural Employer of the Year, which recognizes a business that has championed second chance employment and helped to reduce stigma around recovery in the workplace.

“While addiction is still one of the commonwealth’s most pressing issues, I’m proud of the comprehensive and collaborative approach Kentucky has taken to address this public health crisis,” said former U.S. Congressman and Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher. “Since leaving public office, I’ve kept my commitment to helping Kentuckians return to healthy, purposeful, addiction-free lives, and it is an honor to be inducted into the Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame.”
 
“Expanding and protecting access to care for all Kentuckians, including those struggling with substance use, was one of my top priorities as Governor, and I am grateful for this recognition,” said former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. “This crisis is far from over, and I will continue to work alongside other advocates and stakeholders to help more Kentuckians reach long-term recovery.”

“I’m humbled to receive the 2022 Jay Davidson Recovery Hall of Fame Award,” said Mike Barry, former CEO of People Advocating Recovery (PAR). “During my time at PAR, I was able to use my personal recovery experience to advocate for meaningful policies that promote long-term recovery, and I will continue to support these efforts however I can. It is a privilege to be honored for this work alongside so many other distinguished recovery leaders.” 

“After experiencing the loss of so many employees to substance use, we felt compelled to step up and do more to address addiction in our community,” said Rob Perez, owner of DV8 Kitchen in Lexington. “We became intentional about hiring Kentuckians transitioning out of treatment and providing them with meaningful employment and mentorship. As the Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame’s first Employer of the Year, we will continue to champion second chance employment, destigmatize addiction and encourage others in the business community to do the same.”

“Our 2022 Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame inductees have spent years pioneering a comprehensive approach to recovery in the commonwealth,” said Tim Robinson, founding member of RECON KY and president and CEO of Addiction Recovery Care. “They exemplify the collaborative effort it takes to ensure every Kentuckian has the best opportunity for sustained recovery. We’re grateful for their leadership and commitment to ending the addiction epidemic once and for all.” 

“When it comes to combating substance use in our state, the business community must be part of the solution,” said Beth Davisson, founding member of RECON KY and senior vice president of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. “We are proud to honor some of the individuals who have helped make Kentucky a more conducive place for treatment and recovery and will continue to work with them and other recovery leaders on these important issues.” 

The inductees were honored during the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s 4th annual Recovery in the Workplace Conference.
 
The Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame launched last year with U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers and Jay Davidson of The Healing Place as its inaugural inductees.
 
About RECON KY 
RECON KY is a consortium for recovery that brings together stakeholders from all parts of the treatment system. Our mission is to advocate for a comprehensive, long-term approach to recovery that addresses the social determinants of addiction, while strengthening treatment and mental health services to better serve all Kentuckians. For more information, visit reconky.org.
 
About the Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame
The Kentucky Recovery of Hall of Fame is an initiative of RECON KY to recognize individuals in long-term recovery and those who have taken a leading role in addressing Kentucky’s addiction crisis through prevention, treatment, education and advocacy. The Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame was established in 2021, with U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers and Jay Davidson as its inaugural inductees. For more information, visit kyrecoveryhof.com.

(March 29, 2022) – RECON KY, a consortium working to promote long-term recovery in Kentucky, has opened nominations for its 2022 Recovery Hall of Fame Awards. Nominations are open now through Friday, April 29, 2022, and can be submitted at kyrecoveryhof.com/nominate.

The Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame was established in 2021 to recognize individuals in long-term recovery and those who have taken a leading role in addressing Kentucky’s addiction crisis through prevention, treatment, education and advocacy efforts. Last year, U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Jay Davidson, co-founder and executive chairman of The Healing Place, were named the inaugural inductees of the Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame.

This year, nominations can be submitted for the following categories:

• Jay Davidson Award (Individual in Recovery) – The Jay Davidson Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame Award recognizes an individual in recovery who has helped to support Kentuckians in their journeys to long-term recovery.
• Congressman Hal Rogers Award (Policymaker/Public Official) – The Congressman Hal Rogers Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame Award recognizes a Kentucky policymaker, elected official or public official who has advocated for legislation and public policies to address the addiction crisis and help more Kentuckians reach long-term recovery from substance use disorders.
• Employer of the Year (New in 2022) – The Employer of the Year Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame Award recognizes a business that has championed second chance employment and helped to reduce stigma around recovery in the workplace.

“Kentucky is home to some of the most impactful and innovative champions for recovery in the country. The Recovery Hall of Fame is about honoring these individuals and sharing their stories to inspire others,” said Tim Robinson, founding member of RECON KY and president and CEO of Addiction Recovery Care.

“Employment is a critical component of long-term recovery, and we’re excited to recognize those in the business community who have stepped up to give Kentuckians in recovery a fair chance in the workplace,” said Beth Davisson, founding member of RECON KY and senior vice president of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation.

Nominations will be judged by founding members of RECON KY. The awards will be presented at the Kentucky Chamber’s Recovery in the Workforce Conference on June 21, 2022.
For more information and to nominate an individual or employer for the 2022 Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame Awards, please visit kyrecoveryhof.com.

About RECON KY
RECON KY is a consortium for recovery that brings together stakeholders from all parts of the treatment system. Our mission is to advocate for a comprehensive, long-term approach to recovery that addresses the social determinants of addiction, while strengthening treatment and mental health services to better serve all Kentuckians. For more information, visit reconky.org.
​
About the Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame
The Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame is an initiative of RECON KY to recognize individuals in long-term recovery and those who have taken a leading role in addressing Kentucky’s addiction crisis through prevention, treatment, education and advocacy. The Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame was established in 2021, with U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers and Jay Davidson as its inaugural inductees. For more information, visit kyrecoveryhof.com.

By Beth Davisson, Nancy Hale and Tim Robinson

​For the past 18 months and counting, Kentucky has battled the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing its decades-long fight against addiction. This has truly been an epidemic within a pandemic. But our state has a unique opportunity on the horizon that may forever change how we address addiction-related issues.

Earlier this year, the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis and the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health released a report discussing the factors that led to a decrease in drug overdose deaths in Eastern Kentucky between 2013 and 2017.

The study points to several contributing factors associated with the region’s decline in drug overdose deaths, including increased access to substance use disorder treatment, the development of a recovery ecosystem, prevention and education around substance use disorder, and the existence of strong partnerships, coalitions and collaborations throughout the state.

The COVID pandemic has created new challenges, reflected by the most recent Centers for Disease Control & Prevention data showing a nearly 50% increase in Kentucky drug overdose deaths between 2019 and 2020. More than 1,964 Kentuckians died from drug overdoses last year.

Fortunately, we will have an opportunity in the coming months to bolster our efforts in the fight against addiction like never before. Kentucky is receiving an unprecedented amount of funding via the American Rescue Plan Act, and we applaud our elected officials for prioritizing the addiction crisis, even amid a pandemic.

This is a big opportunity for Kentucky, and we must ensure these resources are allocated properly to have the most meaningful impacts and allow more Kentuckians to obtain long-term recovery. As evidenced by the NORC and University of Kentucky study, we have a solid framework to work from.

These funds must go to the comprehensive and proven treatment programs that are already successful in helping Kentuckians reach sustained recovery. And while treatment is an important first step toward recovery, funding should also be allocated to the critical wraparound services that help address the social determinants of recovery, such as residential housing, meaningful employment, transportation, childcare and peer support.

We know that employment, in particular, is vital to sustainable recovery. Programs that encourage fair chance hiring and provide training and reemployment services for individuals in recovery need ample support from policymakers.

Finally, to build a strong foundation of prevention, we must reach Kentuckians when they are young. This allows us to empower them with the knowledge and information they need to healthy, substance-free lives and become strong leaders in their communities.

The body of research around addiction treatment is growing. It has become increasingly clear that every individual is different and has unique needs that must be treated accordingly. There are now multiple proven pathways to recovery, many of which include medication-assisted treatment. Investing in these comprehensive programs and services is a good use of public funds. Every dollar invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of between $4 and $7 in reduced drug-related crime, criminal justice costs and theft, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

There is great demand for mental health and addiction services across our state. At places like Addiction Recovery Care, The Healing Place and others, beds are available for people today. But if the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that our health care system can indeed be stretched too thin.

To ensure we can continue meeting the increased mental health needs of Kentuckians in the years and decades to come, we must make investments now to build up and enhance our health care workforce. We can empower these dedicated individuals to play an active role in recognizing addiction and facilitating treatment when needed.

Although Kentucky has long been known as the epicenter for the addiction crisis, we are also leading the country when it comes to working together to identify and implement innovative solutions. As founding members of RECON KY, a group of stakeholders working to increase opportunities for long-term recovery, we know our work is cut out for us, but we feel hopeful about the road ahead.

With these new funding sources, we have an unprecedented opportunity to continue serving as a model to promote and support the proven treatment and recovery programs that are critical to overcoming this terrible addiction crisis and supporting our fellow Kentuckians.

The opportunity is before us. Now, let’s work together to do it right.

Tim Robinson is president and CEO of Addiction Recovery Care (ARC). Nancy Hale is president and CEO of Operation UNITE. Beth Davisson is senior vice president of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. The authors are all founding members of RECON KY, a consortium for long-term recovery that brings together stakeholders from all parts of the treatment and recovery system.

​Lexington, Ky. (June 29, 2021) – RECON KY, a consortium working to promote long-term recovery in Kentucky, announced today U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Jay Davidson, co-founder and executive chairman of The Healing Place, as the inaugural inductees of the Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame. 
The Kentucky Recovery of Hall of Fame, an initiative of RECON KY, recognizes individuals in long-term recovery and those who have taken a leading role in addressing Kentucky’s addiction crisis through prevention, treatment, education and advocacy.

“I’m humbled to be honored as one of the first members of the new Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame, alongside my friend Jay Davidson from The Healing Place,” said Congressman Hal Rogers. “Nearly 20 years ago, we decided to stop sweeping the addiction crisis under the rug. We began to address this problem head on, and since then, we’ve broken down the silos between law enforcement, treatment and education. Our efforts are making a difference, and as long as we keep working together, I’m confident that we will continue curbing the tide on addiction in Kentucky and across the United States.”

“I’m honored to be inducted into the Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame,” said Jay Davidson, co-founder and executive chairman of The Healing Place. “Through my work at The Healing Place, I’ve had the opportunity to help others find hope and healing from addiction. I am encouraged by the progress we’ve made in helping more Kentuckians lead healthy, productive and meaningful lives.”

“Congressman Rogers and Jay Davidson are accomplished and inspiring leaders in the fight against addiction,” said Tim Robinson, founding member of RECON KY and president and CEO of Addiction Recovery Care. “Both have pioneered the creation of nationally-recognized treatment and recovery programs that have helped thousands of individuals find purpose and reach recovery. They are true examples of the progress we’ve made over the years and an inspiration to the rest of us working to help more people achieve long-term recovery.”

The inductees were announced during the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s 3rd Annual Recovery in the Workplace Conference. Moving forward, RECON KY will invite the public to nominate Kentuckians for both the Jay Davidson Recovery Hall of Fame Award and the Congressman Hal Rogers Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame Award. More information about the nomination process for 2022 will be available soon.

ABOUT RECON KY 
RECON KY is a consortium for recovery that brings together stakeholders from all parts of the treatment system. Our mission is to advocate for a comprehensive, long-term approach to recovery that addresses the social determinants of addiction, while strengthening treatment and mental health services to better serve all Kentuckians. For more information, visit reconky.org.
​
About the Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame
The Kentucky Recovery of Hall of Fame is an initiative of RECON KY to recognize individuals in long-term recovery and those who have taken a leading role in addressing Kentucky’s addiction crisis through prevention, treatment, education and advocacy. The Kentucky Recovery Hall of Fame was established in 2021, with U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers and Jay Davidson as its inaugural inductees. For more information, visit kyrecoveryhof.com.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – RECON KY, a statewide coalition committed to helping more Kentuckians reach long-term recovery, applauds the General Assembly for adopting resolutions to recognize the Social Determinants of Addiction Recovery. The resolutions, introduced by Senate President Robert Stivers and Representative Adam Bowling, were adopted March 11, 2021 and highlight the need for a more comprehensive, person-centered approach to addiction treatment and recovery—something that has become even more important given the pandemic’s impacts on mental health and substance use.
 
The resolutions urge Kentucky legislators, public officials, treatment providers and other stakeholders to work together to better address the social determinants of addiction recovery, including:

• Effective and accessible health care to treat physical, mental and behavioral health
• Employment and educational opportunities
• Safe and affordable housing
• Transportation for treatment and to support recovery
• Childcare to encourage workforce participation and stop the cycle of addiction

 
By ensuring access to all these services, advocates say more Kentuckians will be able to achieve long-term recovery.
 
“As we continue to address one public health crisis, we cannot overlook another that has continued to devastate many Kentucky families and communities,” said Senate President Robert Stivers. “While we have made great strides in reducing stigma around addiction and connecting people with treatment and resources, our work is still cut out for us in addressing all the social determinants of recovery. My fellow legislators and I remain committed to ensuring that Kentuckians struggling with substance use disorders have the comprehensive tools, resources and education they need to lead healthy, productive lives.”
 
“Substance use disorder is a complex and deadly disease that doesn’t discriminate based on race, age, income or zip code. That’s why it’s so important to bring treatment, prevention and recovery services to Kentuckians in all parts of the state,” said Rep. Adam Bowling. “Addiction has negatively impacted Kentucky families and communities for far too long, but I’m confident that we can work together to bridge the gaps in our recovery systems and put more Kentuckians on the path to lifelong recovery.”
 
“If we are serious about combating addiction in our communities, we need to ensure Kentuckians can access the wide-ranging services and supports needed to achieve long-term recovery,” said Tim Robinson, president and CEO of Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) and founding member of RECON KY. “From childcare and job training, to transportation and housing, we should be doing everything we can to set up Kentuckians in recovery for success.”
 
“When it comes to addiction recovery, we must prioritize long-term outcomes over short-term results. Education, job training and stable employment are critical parts of the equation,” said Beth Davisson, vice president of workforce development for the Kentucky Chamber. “By working together and combining our resources, we can enact meaningful change to support Kentuckians in recovery who deserve a second chance.”
 
The resolutions can be found at the links below.

• Senate: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/21rs/sr200.html
• House: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/21rs/hr86.html

 
About RECON KY
RECON KY, a consortium for recovery in Kentucky, brings together stakeholders from all parts of the treatment system. Our mission is to advocate for a comprehensive, long-term approach to recovery that addresses the social determinants of addiction, while strengthening treatment and mental health services to better serve all Kentuckians. For more information, please visit reconky.org.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – December 14, 2020 – Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, substance use in Kentucky has been on the rise, exacerbating an already serious addiction crisis that has taken thousands of lives and impacted many more. In response, Rep. Adam Bowling has pre-filed legislation to encourage a more comprehensive approach to substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery in all of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
 
Rep. Bowling’s legislation establishes a framework for communities to become “Recovery Ready,” bringing much needed consistency to local prevention, treatment and recovery efforts across the state, and already has the support of Kentucky’s leading recovery advocates.
 
“Regardless of where Kentuckians call home, they should be able to access the wide-ranging services and resources they need to help them lead healthy lives, free from dangerous substances,” said Rep. Bowling. “While we’d like to think all Kentuckians have equal opportunities to prevent, treat and recover from substance use disorders, the reality is that significant disparities exist from place to place. This legislation leverages the firsthand knowledge and expertise of those on the frontlines of the addiction crisis to bridge the gaps.”
 
The “Recovery Ready” legislation establishes a new advisory council within the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy that will include recovery leaders, government officials, law enforcement, private sector employers and other key stakeholders. As a first step, this group will work together to determine appropriate and meaningful “Recovery Ready” standards for the commonwealth’s communities.
 
These standards will capture the all-inclusive needs of individuals in and seeking recovery and address the social determinants that lead to addiction and make recovery more feasible, including health care and treatment, housing, employment and educational opportunities, childcare and transportation, counseling and peer support.
 
“Ultimately, we hope this initiative will encourage local communities to take inventory of the resources they currently offer, how easily they can be accessed and the areas in need of more support and attention,” said Rep. Bowling. “It’s our responsibility, as legislators, public officials and community leaders, to ensure these resources are available in each community and that residents know they exist and have the means to access them. That’s what it takes to make Kentucky ‘Recovery Ready.’”
 
The legislation will be officially introduced in the General Assembly and receive a bill number when lawmakers convene in January.

At a moment when many people are finding it difficult to see eye-to-eye with their fellow Kentuckians, there’s one thing we all can agree on: We must keep fighting to end addiction in the commonwealth.

This is a public health crisis that has only worsened due to the challenges of the last eight months, with substance use and overdose deaths trending in the wrong direction.

However, there is good news. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Kentucky public officials remain committed to breaking the vicious cycle of addiction. In November, the state will submit a transformative proposal to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that, if approved, will expand access to substance use disorder treatment among some of our society’s most vulnerable and at-risk individuals: those in our criminal justice system.

Substance use disorders have made their way into every nook and cranny of our state, including our prisons and jails. The treatment providers, business leaders and recovery advocates who make up RECON KY, a consortium for long-term recovery in Kentucky, have seen this firsthand.

The reality is we cannot effectively address the addiction crisis without investing in treatment and recovery resources for individuals in prison, many of whom are there in the first place because their substance use disorders have gone untreated.

Research has also linked well-designed, carefully implemented, in-prison addiction treatment programs to numerous positive outcomes, including reductions in relapse, recidivism and inmate misconduct, while increasing levels of education and employment when participants return to the community. Every one of us is better off living in a Kentucky in which fewer people are engaged in dangerous, sometimes illegal behaviors and more community members are leading healthy, productive lives.

After all, this is not just a health care issue; it’s an economic one, as well. By investing in health care coverage and treatment for incarcerated individuals now, we can prevent increased costs and additional negative outcomes down the road.

Just think about a person who receives substance use disorder treatment while in prison and is then connected with recovery resources and services as she transitions back into society, versus someone who doesn’t because she lacks the proper health care coverage and leaves prison without a health plan and support system. A year out, the latter is much more likely to have relapsed or be back in jail, while the former might be starting a new job or enrolling in school.

Providing these services is good policy and the right thing to do for our fellow Kentuckians. Our public officials certainly kept these factors in mind when crafting this proposal, which doesn’t only account for the health care needs of individuals “behind the wall,” but ensures they are set up for success after they’ve completed their time. Both pieces are critically important and reflect the continuum of care needed for people to reach long-term recovery.

All Kentuckians struggling with substance use disorders, including those in the criminal justice system, need our support. These are our family members, neighbors, coworkers and friends. We applaud our public officials for not only recognizing this, but acting on it, as well.

When it comes to ending addiction in Kentucky, we certainly still have our work cut out for us — but with the submission of this new proposal, we’re one step closer to getting it done.

Tim Robinson is CEO of Addiction Recovery Care and a founding member of RECON KY. Ben Chandler is president/CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, which serves as one of the founding organizations for RECON KY. ​