Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties and St. Elizabeth Healthcare have partnered to launch a regional heroin helpline with the assistance of Addiction Services Council (ASC).
The Northern Kentucky Helpline will be 859-577-CARE (2273).
The Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD) will serve as the managing partner for this initiative.
The Northern Kentucky Helpline is modeled after the highly successful Helpline program run by the Addiction Services Council in Southwest Ohio for more than a decade.
“Substance use disorders continue to make headlines throughout our community, and as healthcare professionals, our staff encounter patients every day who are suffering from these disorders,” said Garren Colvin, president and CEO of St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “The launch of this hotline will help provide Northern Kentucky families with one more tool to access when battling the disease of addiction.”
ASC handles approximately 20,000 calls annually from individuals in need, and their family and friends.
These calls represent needs from “frequently asked questions” about alcohol and drugs to emergency treatment options. ASC will pair callers with the best possible match in service. A significant number of the incoming calls are also crisis related. Calls will be answered by licensed, professional counselors 24 hours a day.
A regional effort, powerful resource
“Responding to Northern Kentucky’s heroin epidemic demands a multi-faceted approach. The Northern Kentucky Helpline will provide a direct and powerful resource to folks in need, as well as families who are looking for help. The availability of this heroin helpline represents the very best of our region working together to implement programs that will save lives,” said Campbell County Judge-Executive Steve Pendery.
Judge-Executives Gary Moore of Boone County and Kris Knochelmann of Kenton County agree.
“The Helpline is a critical component in providing assistance to those who are suffering from addiction and for the family and friends of those suffering from addiction. This is another example of Northern Kentucky creating positive, meaningful partnerships to assist our region,” said Moore.
“Just as Kenton County Jailer Terry Carl’s detention treatment program represented a nationally recognized leap forward for our community in the battle against opioid and heroin addiction, so will the creation of this Helpline mark another significant moment in the ongoing battle. Simplifying access to help and streamlining the pathway to treatment will save lives,” said Knochelmann.
Through the Helpline, ASC assesses about 1,200 individuals annually and successfully places the overwhelming majority with providers within Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
The Addiction Services Council will duplicate the established and effective open door model for the Northern Kentucky Helpline. You can connect with these services by telephone at 859-577-CARE (2273) or on the web at www.addictionservicescouncil.org.
“We often hear that families and individuals don’t know where to turn for help. This ‘No Wrong Door’ approach will get them the help they need and will ultimately save lives. We are pleased to have the full support of the Judges/Executive of Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties and St. Elizabeth Healthcare in this initiative to bring relief to our community,.” said NKYODCP Executive Director Kim Moser
Addiction Services Council is a non-profit, community-based organization focused on improving the quality of life for the residents of Cincinnati and surrounding areas, including Northern Kentucky, by reducing problems related to alcoholism and other drug addiction. The Addiction Services Council provides a wide range of programs that serve children, adolescents, families, women, older adults, inmates, individuals with criminal records and persons with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders.
