Foundation in Lexington to get grant to combat opioid crisis

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- The Lexington Leadership Foundation was awarded one of seven national awards by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The LLF is getting a $500,000 grant to address the issues that impact the opioid crisis in Fayette, Scott, and Pulaski counties.

Officials say Kentucky experienced over 1,400 opioid related overdoses in 2016. Research shows that growing up in homes with a parents or family members addicted to opioids can have catastrophic effects on young people. These effects might include increased engagement in delinquent behavior, greater likelihood for anxiety and mood disorders, participation in high-risk sex behavior, and global or social impairment (Morton & Wells, 2017).

Through this grant, LLF and its partners will build on the evidence-driven benefits of mentoring to help youth impacted by opioids develop the protective factors needed to overcome obstacles in their lives. Through the Appalachian Mentoring Initiative (AMI), LLF will provide high-quality mentoring relationships to at-risk and high-risk youth age 17 or younger who are affected by opioids either due to personal opioid/drug use, misuse of opioids by a family member or guardian, or high rates of opioid use/abuse in their neighborhoods and schools. Through the initiative, partner organizations will recruit youth and mentors; engage in a thorough screening process for mentors across all sites that ensures they are equipped to serve this unique population; provide specialized mentor training around working with youth impacted by opioids; and incorporate family activities into mentoring programs.