Trigg County Looking to Lee County as an Example for Handling Opioid Addiction

Trigg County officials are looking to Lee County’s approach to opioid addiction as they develop a plan for managing opioid settlement funds and expanding local recovery services.

According to public records, the Trigg County Fiscal Court has approved the creation of a committee that will oversee opioid-related projects in the community. The effort is modeled after Lee County’s program, which is administered through the Lee County Health Department’s HUB initiative.

During a recent meeting, magistrates approved a resolution establishing the 12-member Trigg County Opioid Abatement Advisory Committee. The committee will be responsible for helping guide how opioid settlement funds are used to address addiction and recovery needs throughout the county.

Under the resolution, the committee will include a magistrate, a city council member, an elected constitutional officer, the health department director, a medical professional, an individual working in addiction recovery or treatment, a law enforcement representative, a person involved with the judicial system who is familiar with Drug Court, a member of the faith community, a school district representative, a representative from Genesis Express, and a member of the community at large.

Officials said the committee will meet at least quarterly, with meetings scheduled for July, October, January, and April, as well as additional meetings when needed. Seven members will constitute a quorum, and each member will have one vote.

Trigg County Judge-Executive Stan Humphries said Lee County’s program serves as an example of what Trigg County hopes to accomplish in helping residents who are struggling with opioid addiction.

In addition to establishing the advisory committee, officials discussed expanding services through the local health department. Plans include adding a peer support community health worker who would provide services in Trigg County as well as other counties served by the health department.

County leaders believe the initiative will help ensure opioid settlement funds are directed toward programs and services that support prevention, treatment, recovery, and long-term community wellness.