February 2, 2018
New Online Program Designed to Connect Kentuckians to SUD Treatment Centers
Website promoted in conjunction with ‘Don’t Let Them Die’ high school marketing and awareness campaign
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 2, 2018) – Gov. Matt Bevin today announced a new tool in Kentucky’s fight against the opioid epidemic. FindHelpNowKY.org allows users to search in real-time for a local substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center and will be promoted as part of the Governor’s ‘Don’t Let Them Die’ campaign, which seeks to bring awareness to the opioid crisis.
“Kentucky is stepping up, ready to lead the nation as we address the opioid problem that plagues so many,” said Gov. Bevin. “We must all work together to solve this crisis.”
Findhelpnowky.org acts as a search engine for individuals seeking a SUD treatment facility for themselves or family members. Users can locate facilities based on geographic location, facility type, and type of treatment needed.
The search results also identify which facilities have current openings for patients. The website is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in partnership with the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.
“Near real-time availability of SUD treatment openings will significantly reduce the time spent by the public, healthcare providers, and other healthcare professionals searching for treatment openings by matching available treatment with individual needs,” said Dr. Terry Bunn, director of KIPRC.
As part of the launch of the new website, in partnership with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, WLKY-TV will sponsor the ‘Find Help Now KY’/‘Don’t Let Them Die’ integrated marketing and advertising campaign challenge for high school students. The contest will raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and addiction and will encourage students to create original campaign advertisements to promote the ‘Don’t Let Them Die’ and ‘Find Help Now’ websites. The winning advertisements will be incorporated in the Commonwealth’s opioid awareness marketing campaign.
“Information is critical in the fight against opioids, and the high school challenge will allow students across Kentucky to become actively engaged in raising awareness about the dangers of opioid addiction,” said Andrea Stahlman, news director for WLKY.
“We are excited to unleash the resources of ‘Don’t Let Them Die’ and ‘Find Help Now KY,’” said Gov. Bevin. “By allowing the enthusiasm, intellect and creativity of high school students to aid us in this fight, we are giving them the opportunity to make a lasting impression on their peers about the dangers of opioid abuse. We will lead the way in eradicating the opioid epidemic, because we are Kentucky.”
More information regarding the contest, including complete rules and guidelines, can be found at http://www.dontletthemdie.com/High-School-Challenge.aspx.
