Barren River Region Gets up to Battle Opioid Crisis with New Office of Drug Control Policy

Ready to get in front of the increasing opioid problem, the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) announced the establishment of their Barren River Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) on August 10, 2024.

Meet the New ODCP Associate Director

Pledged to lead the fight against this escalating crisis, Brooke Edwards steps into the role of Associate Director of the newly formed office. In the face of the opioid issue, Edwards comes in with a robust background as a licensed mental health associate, and notches in her belt from five years at BRADD already.

Remembering her words on getting the nod for the new role, Edwards said with enthusiasm, “I am very excited and eager to have this new position to further assist BRADD in meeting its mission and goals to help the citizens of our region to become more self-sufficient, prosperous, and to have better quality of life.”

What’s Cooking in the ODCP Kitchen?

Aiming to play a major role in the region’s response to the opioid crisis, the ODCP is geared up to manage a cool $20 million from the Kentucky General Assembly. These funds intend to create the Anchor Project, a three-part punch of services for the ten-county district. Besides setting up a mental health crisis intake center and a Life Learning Center, the ODCP plans to ensure transparency and build a solid network of comprehensive resources and research for the folk here.

Role and Responsibilities

The ODCP, under the able leadership of Edwards, is not just about management. It will serve local governments and community partners implement best practices for issues centered around substance abuse and mental health. With a regional response guide, it will help in addressing related issues and assist county and city governments with settlement funds received from the KY Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Its role is to make sure these funds are utilized for regional and local programming, focusing on areas of prevention, treatment, recovery, and continuing care.

BRADD’s top dog, Chairman Gary Dillard said, “The Anchor Project will enhance the quality of life in the region, which aligns perfectly with BRADD’s mission. We are excited to have an internal candidate with Brooke’s background in mental health take the lead for this position”. As much Eric Sexton, BRADD’s Executive Director, backed it up and commented on Brooke’s instrumental role in the project, “We are very excited to continue the positive moment this region is experiencing in response to substance abuse and mental health issues and having someone with Brooke’s skillset and passion for the subject is a big asset to this project.”

Looks like a promising start, eh?

Got more questions? Want more info on the anchor project? Head over to BRADD Anchor Project on the web.