Update on Kentucky’s Opioid Settlement Funds

Many individuals may start off the new year with resolutions or promises to be kept throughout the year. Here with Bloom Kentucky, our hope is that we keep our commitment to kids and families in the year of 2024 and beyond when it comes to communicating the message of how the distribution of dollars from the Opioid Settlement can be used to make an impact.

Primer on Opioid Settlement Funds

As a quick primer on the Opioid Settlement Funds for those that may be new here, the Opioid Settlement is the second largest multi state agreement that was resolved out of over 4,000 claims from state and local government entities against companies responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic. Kentucky’s share of the settlement includes nearly $900 million. In 2021, HB 427 mandated that the funds would be distributed equally:

• 50% of funds would go to the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund which is overseen by the Opioid Abatement Commission and;
• 50% of funds would go to counties, cities, unconsolidated local governments, and urban county governments; 
• Additionally, service providers and organizations would be eligible for the reimbursement of prior expenses or funding projects.

Use Bloom Kentucky’s updated Flowchart to help understand the opioid settlement funds. 

Apply for Funds from the KY Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC)

Since the last application process, there have been a few changes to the process and to the commission. 

• Chris Evans is the new Executive Director for the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Commission. Evans succeeds Bryan Hubbard. 
• The application deadline for this cycle is March 31, 2024.
• Award decisions will be made on an ongoing basis.
• You can see the full notice of funding here. 
• Applications are processed through the KYOAAC Grant Portal. 
• If you have any questions, you can email Commission staff at kyoaac@ky.gov 

Connection Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Opioid Use Disorder

Bloom Kentucky is committed to preventing and mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) through policy change. Studies have shown a direct correlation between ACE scores and opioid use disorder (OUD). 

• With an ACE score greater than 8, individuals are 3x more likely to misuse prescription pain meds, 5x more likely to inject drugs.
• Person with trauma history are more likely to seek treatment for chronic pain and receive opioids
• Of persons seeking treatment for OUD,
  • More than 80% had at least one trauma in their history
  • Two-thirds had witnessed violence

With this evidence, we know how important it is to invest in kids and families and the importance of mitigating adversity and creating positive experiences which will lead to flourishing families. To guide you in making decisions to empower families across the Commonwealth, we’ve developed a toolkit to ground you in evidence-based practices that will help guide you in the application process. 

We have an opportunity with the opioid settlement dollars to leverage funds and policy to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences – together, we can create a stronger, more resilient Kentucky.

Check out these additional resources:  

• John Hopkins 5 Principles to ensure that opioid settlement dollars are used most effectively
• Four Building Blocks of Hope

3 Ways to Continue to Advocate for Kentucky Kids and Families:

1. Connect with your state Senator and Representative in the interim to build connection and share information about Bloom Kentucky’s priorities.
2. Check out Bloom Kentucky’s data on Adverse Childhood Experiences by DCBS service region and share with local leaders and advocates.
3. Host a regionally-based listening session or data deep-dive conversation in your community – contact Hannah Edelen (hedelen@kyyouth.org) with questions.