Operation UNITE, Kentucky officials launching SUD help line

The Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and Operation UNITE are launching a substance abuse call center, Gov. Matt Bevin has announced.

Starting Dec. 1, Kentucky residents who are struggling with a substance use disorder, or have a family member struggling with SUD, can contact the KY HELP Call Center at 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357) to speak with a specialist who will conduct a brief screening, then discuss treatment options and available resources. Options range from medication-assisted treatment to faith-based care, and the specialists will help callers work through variables with each treatment option, including location and cost.

The center will take calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. During non-business hours, callers may leave a message, which will be returned by a member of the call center staff.

Operation UNITE, which already fields about 1,000 inquiries from residents seeking help with a substance use disorder each month, will staff the KY HELP Call Center with specialists in Prestonsburg, Ky. The Kentucky Justice Cabinet is funding the initiative through anti-drug appropriations in the current state budget at $500,000 per year for each of the next two years.