Kentucky Health News The Kentucky Association of Counties has selected representatives from 20 Kentucky counties to participate in the KACo Opioid Solutions Network (KOSN), a new association to help counties maximize opioid settlement funds, according to KACo’s March 26 newsletter. The selec ted counties are: Boone, Breathitt, Carroll, Clark, Estill, Graves, Grayson, Hardin, Jessamine, Lewis, Magoffin, Marion, Mason, Owen, Powell, Todd, Trigg, Trimble, Wayne and Woodford. “Each of these counties has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting addiction recovery in their communities,” KACo Executive Director Jim Henderson said in the newsletter. “When equipped with the right tools and information, counties can make investments that create a positive ripple effect for generations to come.” Opioid settlement funds are payments from drug manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies to resolve lawsuits to the opioid crisis. Distributions from these settlements began in 2022, with Kentucky expected to receive approximately $1 billion over the coming years. Half of the settlement money goes to the state and the other half to local governments. The money must be used for opioid abatement efforts such as treatment, prevention and harm reduction. The first KOSN meeting will happen this spring, where county leaders will participate in peer learning and get technical assistance on practical strategies to address the opioid crisis. They also will participate in regional site visits. The program will highlight approaches already working in Kentucky, particularly those supported by national opioid settlement funding, according to the newsletter. As part of the network, participants will develop a project or strategy aimed at improving how opioid settlement funds are used locally and will present their work at the 52nd Annual KACo Conference in November. KOSN is modeled after the National Association of Counties’ Opioid Solutions Leadership Network. KACo opioid settlement adviser Lauren Carr leads the new association. Carr, along with Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore, Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley and Madison County Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor, previously served on the national leadership group that examined successful recovery strategies across the country. “Seeing proven program models up close is often an aha moment for county leaders,” Carr said. “KACo’s Opioid Solutions Network builds on insights learned at the national level and creates opportunities for idea-sharing and collaboration in Kentucky.” Tags: drug treatment drugs lawsuit opioids prevention recovery The post 20 counties selected for KACo’s Opioid Solutions Network to help maximize opioid settlement funds appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less