Kentucky Certifies Three More Recovery Ready Counties
Carroll, Franklin and Jefferson counties join 45 certified counties statewide in building local addiction recovery networks.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Kentucky has certified Carroll, Franklin and Jefferson counties as Recovery Ready Communities, bringing the statewide total to 45 certified counties. The certified counties serve nearly 3.1 million Kentuckians.
Why it matters
The certifications reflect partnerships among hospitals, treatment providers, schools, courts and first responders aimed at addiction recovery and public safety. Certification signals a solid foundation for combating addiction across the state.
Kentucky recorded four straight years of decreases in overdose deaths and two consecutive years of decreases in recidivism rates. The source does not state how much of this change can be attributed to the recovery certification program.
The players
University of Kentucky College of Public Health
The public health college of the University of Kentucky, which conducted the assessment that preceded the counties' certification.
Carroll County Memorial Hospital
A hospital serving Carroll County and a key partner in the county's recovery network.
The details
Carroll County's recovery network links Carroll County Memorial Hospital, Empowered Living, NorthKey Community Care, Cleanse Clinic, Carrollton Treatment Services, county public schools, courts and first responders. The certification followed an assessment conducted with other counties and the University of Kentucky College of Public Health.
Timeline
Four straight years of decreasing Kentucky overdose deaths preceded the announcement.
Two consecutive years of declining recidivism and serious crime rates preceded the announcement.
Nabb expanded remarks at a Carroll Fiscal Court meeting on the Tuesday before publication.
Big Picture
Kentucky's Recovery Ready Communities certification now covers 45 counties, extending a statewide model of local addiction recovery networks. The three newly certified counties add to that count as the state continues to report falling overdose deaths.
Residents of Carroll, Franklin and Jefferson counties may gain access to coordinated treatment through hospitals, clinics and schools in their local recovery networks. Carroll County's jail population has risen to 70 to 80 daily inmates from fewer than 20 previously.
The takeaway
Local partnerships spanning health care, schools, courts and first responders form the core of Kentucky's recovery model. Communities seeking similar progress can look to coordinated networks rather than single agency efforts.
Further reading
Explore more on Substance Abuse efforts across Kentucky's counties.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Madison Courier.
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