The Boone, Campbell and Kenton County Fiscal Courts are partnering with several key organizations to enhance the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy as it moves into the next phase of combating the substance abuse epidemic facing the region.
Rep. Moser
Garren Colvin, CEO of St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Dr. Lynne Saddler, District Director of Health for the Northern Kentucky Independent Health District and Chris Conners, Director of the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force will be representing their respective organizations as they join the Board of Directors for the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.
“We are at a critical juncture in responding to the epidemic of substance use disorders. This expansion will help accelerate the next phase of a coordinated and comprehensive response in Northern Kentucky. I look forward to our work together,” said Dr. Saddler.
In addition, State Rep. Kim Moser, R-Taylor Mill, will be transitioning from the role of executive director to member of the Board as her responsibilities in the Kentucky General Assembly continue to grow along with her leadership on medical and substance abuse public policy. A search for the next Director will commence immediately.
Moore
“It has been an honor to serve as the founding director of the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy to identify and implement tactics to combat substance use disorders,” said Moser. “Expansion of the NKY Drug Policy Board will strengthen development of key strategies in the community response to addiction. I look forward to continuing my work in this new role, to improve the overall health and well-being of our state and region.”
The Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy has been instrumental in developing strategies aimed at combating the substance abuse epidemic in the region including the creation of the NKY Substance Abuse Help-line, deployment of “Quick Response Teams” in each county and a comprehensive education campaign. The Office has also been instrumental in policy formation, identifying best practices and advocating legislative priorities. The addition of these partners will enhance collaboration and unify the efforts in the region.
“The expanded Board of the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy will build even stronger partnerships while enhancing our ability to attack the substance abuse epidemic we face in the region. This new direction will allow the Office to build upon past successes and position it to respond appropriately for the future,” said Gary W. Moore, Boone County Judge/ Executive.
Pendery
The Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy assists with the development of substance abuse policy initiatives, coordinates regional efforts at the direction of the Board and provides advisory services to the Fiscal Courts of Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties and other organizations as directed.
“This latest step in the evolution of our response should result in dramatic improvements.” said Steve Pendery Campbell County Judge/Executive.
The Office is charged with serving as the subject matter expert on the issue of substance abuse and the development of a comprehensive plan to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse among the youth and adult populations while coordinating efforts among all respective county and regional agencies toward the implementation of the Plan.
Knochelmann
Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann said the Office moved the region to the front line of combatting the national heroin and opiate epidemic.
“In the areas of education, treatment, and law enforcement, we made tremendous gains,” said Knochelmann. “I am excited about these new changes to the Office of Drug Control Policy’s organizational structure because they will formally recognize the deep engagement of our community partners, further position State Representative Kim Moser to be even more impactful on a state and regional level, and bring new talent to the fight. Much work has been done, yet much work remains, and these changes are a logical next step in tackling the toughest enemy our community has ever faced.”
Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy
