STATEMENT RELEASE: MASSARONI AND HIGDON CELEBRATE NELSON COUNTY 

RECOVERY READY COMMUNITY DESIGNATION

PHOTO CUTLINE: Nelson County Sheriff Ramon Pineiroa (middle) and his family, as well as State Sen. Jimmy Higdon (right) and State Rep. Candy Massaroni (left), pose for a photo outside of the state House of Representatives chamber in Frankfort. Pineiroa was named Kentucky’s Sheriff of the Year last year.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 12, 2024)—The following are statements from Rep. Candy Massaroni, R-Bardstown, and Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, on Nelson County's designation as a Recovery Ready Community (RRC).
MASSARONI

"I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone who has contributed to making our community recovery ready. The dedication of our local officials and law enforcement in Nelson County and Bardstown has been remarkable. Your efforts will undoubtedly save lives and enhance the well-being of many. This is a significant milestone for Nelson County."
HIGDON

"Substance use disorder (SUD) remains one of the most significant public health challenges in our commonwealth. As Scott Lockard, public health director for the Kentucky River District Health Department, correctly said, we need to meet people where they are, but we shouldn't leave them there. 

"The latest drug overdose report shows promising declines in overdose deaths, but what should worry us is the fact that we are still losing almost 700 more people this year than we were before the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery-certified communities are best prepared to decrease these troubling numbers.

"I think our collective efforts to save and improve lives through individual recovery contributes to the recovery of the family unit and the whole community. By supporting those in recovery, we're also helping make a stronger, more resilient workforce.

"I want to thank everyone involved in making a community recovery ready, including the great local officials and law enforcement on the ground here in Nelson County and Bardstown. The work being put in will lead to lives saved and improved. It's a good day for Nelson County."

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BACKGROUND

About RRC

The Kentucky General Assembly established the Advisory Council for Recovery Ready Communities in 2021 through House Bill 7, placing it within the Office of Drug Control Policy in the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. This council, comprising representatives from various sectors, including city and county associations, the Chamber of Commerce, law enforcement, medical professionals, and recovery advocates, was tasked with developing the Kentucky RRC Program. The program evaluates the quality of substance use disorder recovery programs in cities and counties, ensuring the availability of high-quality treatment for all stages of recovery. Learn more about RRC at rrcky.org/.

Nelson County
Thursday marked a significant milestone for Nelson County, joining Breathitt, Jessamine, and Lee Counties in becoming certified as an RRC. With this achievement, Nelson County has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing substance use disorder, supporting those in recovery and fostering a resilient workforce. The Bardstown Police Department has hired a full-time social worker to give officers more tools to address addiction and other issues while responding to calls. 

Those needing SUD treatment may call the Kentucky Help Call Center at 833-859-4357 to speak with a specialist.

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