Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that applications are open for Kentucky communities to apply for Recovery Ready certification.

In June 2022, Gov. Beshear announced the creation of the Recovery Ready Communities program. Since then, the Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP), the Advisory Council for Recovery Ready Communities and Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) have created a certification program for communities across the commonwealth. Communities are eligible to apply for this certification, which measures their services to residents who are seeking help for drug or alcohol addiction in three different categories: prevention, treatment and recovery support.

Upon application, communities will undergo an evaluation process, including a site visit and assessment from VOA staff, who will then make a recommendation to the Advisory Council for a decision on certification. Communities that are not initially designated as Recovery Ready will receive an explanation for the denial as well as an offer of technical assistance from VOA to help formulate new programs or interventions necessary to achieve certification. Once improvements are made, communities are encouraged to reapply and get certified. There is no application deadline. The advisory council will certify communities on a rolling basis.