Six counties across Northern and Eastern Kentucky have been designated by the governor’s office as “Recovery Ready Communities.”
The designation recognizes Boone, Campbell, Grant, Kenton, Perry and Woodford counties for their efforts to help those in substance use recovery. The counties were chosen because of their efforts to provide treatment and support to residents.
It comes with the announcement of the “Jobs on Day One” initiative, which will help former inmates get employment during and after their sentence. Gov. Andy Beshear announced the program during his regular media briefing Thursday.
“Jobs on Day One is going to help former inmates become strong candidates for Kentucky's fast paced labor market through the development of job skills and attainment of certifications, while providing educational opportunities and treatment services,” Beshear said.
Perry County Judge/Executive Scott Alexander gave credit to employers who hire those in recovery.
“I think that plays a role as well to take people who have an addiction problem and get them the care and the treatment that they need, that they seek, and then have a job for them when they come out,” Alexander said. “I think that is one of the few ways that we're going to find a way to beat this addiction problem.”
This is the first round of counties designated as recovery ready after the first announcement designating Boyle County as such in May.
