EKY opioid settlement funds: Owingsville recovery facility seeks share of unused money
Owingsville has used only 30% of its $150k opioid settlement funds, while Juniper Tree Recovery seeks a share to support services amid Medicaid cuts.Summary
Owingsville received $150,000 in opioid settlement funding but has spent only about 30% of it, allocating money to the Thrive 51 recovery group, an anonymous tip line, improved police radios, and planning to hire an opioid prevention officer. Bath County recorded the highest overdose death rates per capita in Kentucky in 2022, though rates have since dropped by 50%. Juniper Tree Recovery, a facility that opened in February and relies mainly on Medicaid/Medicare reimbursements, is seeking a portion of the remaining settlement funds to offset upcoming Medicaid cuts and to cover transportation and staff salaries. Officials note that the facility serves a multi‑county region, raising eligibility questions about accessing funds from other counties, and suggest working with area development districts or community action groups to create a clearinghouse for fund distribution. WKYT attempted to obtain comment from Bath County Judge‑Executive Forrest McKenzie but has not yet received a response.
(Source：Wkyt)