Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission Awards $34 Million in Grants to Combat Epidemic

On April 23, 2026, the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC) announced its largest distribution of opioid settlement funds to date, awarding more than $34 million in grants to over 100 organizations across the state. The funding supports treatment, recovery, and prevention initiatives aimed at addressing the ongoing impact of the opioid epidemic on Kentucky communities.

The commission, established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2021, is responsible for overseeing the state’s share of settlement funds from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, and distributors. To date, KYOAAC has allocated more than $85 million to 130 organizations through its grant programs.

Speaking at an event in Lexington, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman described the settlement funds as “blood money,” emphasizing their origin in the harm caused by the opioid crisis. “What we spend, what we announce — it is blood money to those that have lost their sons and their daughters,” Coleman said.

Grant Recipients and Funding Allocations

The 2026-2027 grant cycle includes funding for a range of services, including peer support, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery programs. Notable awards include:

• $800,000 to Volunteers of America MidStates to support Recovery Community Center operations in Pulaski, Lincoln, and Calloway counties.
• $750,000 to the Franklin County Health Department.
• $748,576 to Recovery Cafe Lexington, Inc. For work in Boyle, Fayette, Franklin, Whitley, and Harlan counties.
• $648,674 to the Kentucky Pharmacists Association to provide medications for opioid use disorder in jails in Greenup, Marion, and Mason counties.
• $631,323 to KVC Behavioral Healthcare Kentucky, Inc. For the Elevate Mothers and Build Addiction Recovery in Kentucky program, supporting pregnant mothers in Boyd, Perry, Letcher, Greenup, and Pike counties.
• $600,000 to the Kentucky Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs for programming in Barren, Warren, Daviess, Harlan, and Jefferson counties.

These grants are part of KYOAAC’s ongoing effort to distribute Kentucky’s portion of over $900 million in opioid settlement funds. The commission continues to accept applications for treatment and recovery initiatives through its Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

About the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission

The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission was created to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of opioid settlement funds. Its mission is to support evidence-based strategies that prevent opioid misuse, expand access to treatment, and promote long-term recovery for individuals and families affected by addiction.

For more information on grant opportunities and the commission’s work, visit the official KYOAAC website.

Key Takeaways

• The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission awarded over $34 million in grants to more than 100 organizations in its largest distribution yet.
• Funding supports treatment, recovery, and prevention services in communities hardest hit by the opioid epidemic.
• Attorney General Russell Coleman referred to the settlement funds as “blood money,” reflecting their origin in the harm caused by opioid manufacturers and distributors.
• To date, KYOAAC has allocated more than $85 million to 130 organizations since its establishment in 2021.
• The commission manages Kentucky’s share of over $900 million in opioid settlement funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission?

The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC) is a state body established in 2021 to oversee the distribution of opioid settlement funds received by Kentucky from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors.

How much money has Kentucky received in opioid settlements?

Kentucky is set to receive more than $900 million in total opioid settlement funds, of which over $85 million has already been allocated by KYOAAC to 130 organizations.

What types of programs do the grants support?

Grants fund a variety of initiatives, including peer support programs, medication-assisted treatment in jails, recovery community centers, and services for pregnant mothers and youth affected by the opioid epidemic.

Where can I find information about applying for a KYOAAC grant?

Details about current funding opportunities and application procedures are available on the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission’s official website.