Kentuckians who face the challenges of addiction represent every zip code, educational background and socioeconomic status imaginable. The face of addiction looks like you and me. Our families, our friends and our colleagues are struggling with this issue and unfortunately many are dying from it. Volunteers of America urges our state government leaders to increase…
Keeping Kentuckians alive: It’s time to increase access to emergency care and treatment for opiate overdose.
In Quincy, Mass., first responders carry kits that have saved over 200 lives since 2010, and nationwide these kits have saved more than 10,000 lives. Currently, Kentucky’s first responders cannot carry such kits – and every year Kentuckians die because of this. In North Carolina and 20 other states, laws have been enacted to encourage…
The heroin bill dialogue: What should be included in the final legislation?
There is no disagreement that Kentucky is in need of improved heroin legislation. Last year, 230 people lost their lives due to a heroin overdose. Over half of those were from Jefferson County making heroin deaths twice as common as homicide in Louisville. The 2015 legislative session provides our best opportunity to pass comprehensive legislation…
Kentucky’s evolving behavioral health providers
One of the most important effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the profound change in the coverage of behavioral health services. Building on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, the ACA requires both Medicaid and Medicare to provide far more robust behavioral health benefits, especially in…
A way out of the revolving door
New treatment method gives mentally ill a chance at recovery while living independently, with family or in supportive housing. There are a variety of treatment options for severe and persistent mental illness, but many people experience symptoms so great they are unable to access healthcare services voluntarily. They often end up homeless, incarcerated or involuntarily…
Advocacy Update: 2015 legislative session packed full of promise for improving delivery of care in behavioral health
The 2015 Kentucky Legislative Session has the opportunity to have a significant impact on the behavioral health community in Kentucky. From front page stories like the heroin epidemic to licensing and reimbursement issues, our legislators are considering action to improve the delivery of care in the increasingly important behavioral health sector. The legislative session kicked…
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