Clay County Certified as Recovery Ready Community

MANCHESTER, Ky. — Clay County’s commitment to fighting addiction was recognized today as Gov. Andy Beshear certified Clay among six new counties designated as Recovery Ready Communities during the Team Kentucky Recovery Month celebration in Frankfort.

By earning this certification, Clay County joins 30 other counties across the commonwealth in ensuring residents have access to comprehensive addiction treatment, recovery services, and workforce support. In total, more than 1.7 million Kentuckians now live in counties certified as Recovery Ready, part of a statewide effort that has coincided with three consecutive years of decline in overdose-related deaths.

Clay County’s system of care is rooted in collaboration. The Cumberland Valley District Health Department operates an active harm reduction outreach program to prevent disease, reduce overdose deaths, and connect individuals to treatment. Cumberland River Behavioral Health provides both addiction treatment and mental health services, while also supporting the county’s homeless population. AdventHealth Manchester plays a key role in offering treatment and recovery linkages, and Clay County is home to one of the state’s first Kentucky Overdose Response Effort (KORE)-funded recovery community centers, operated by Volunteers of America, which provides support groups, sober activities, and employment services.

“As judge/executive, I am pleased that our county has been awarded the Recovery Ready Community certification,” said Clay County Judge/Executive Tommy Harmon. “The opioid epidemic hit Clay County very hard, and this certification is a testament to the power of a community that stands together and fight.”

Gov. Beshear praised the milestone, saying, “Together, we are making sure no Kentuckian walks the road to recovery alone, by ensuring everyone has access to resources to fight addiction.”

Other counties receiving certification today include Boyd, Carter, Greenup, Letcher, and Owsley.