Federal agency restores Narcan grant to Lexington two days after termination

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A federal agency has restored a Narcan grant to Lexington just two days after it was terminated.

According to a release from Mayor Linda Gorton’s office, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has reinstated a $499,000 federal grant operated by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

City officials say the funding was cut late Tuesday, but the city received an email from SAMHSA Wednesday morning stating, “Your award will remain active under its original terms and conditions.”

“This is good news. This funding saves lives,” Gorton said in the release. “We greatly appreciate the restoration of the funding.”

The grant helps pay for Narcan supplies — about 8,000 doses — along with the salaries of two employees who help distribute the medication. Narcan is used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Through the program, the city provides Narcan to the Health Department, first responders, faith-based organizations, neighborhoods, mental health facilities, and other groups across the community.

The grant was originally awarded to Lexington in October 2025.