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Lexington Wins $2 Million Grant To Fight Opioid Epidemic

Karyn Czar/WUKY

The grant, which stretches over four years, will largely be used for naloxone kits to be distributed through the Health Department, and to supply deputies at the Sheriff’s Office. Naloxone is the life-saving drug given to someone who has overdosed on opioids.

Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, Commissioner of Health with the Lexington Fayette County Health Department says countless lives will be saved in a city where the numbers of overdoses have doubled since 2013.

Mayor Jim Gray said the funds will also be used to hire an overdose prevention coordinator and outreach efforts to help people understand the “Good Samaritan Law” which provides legal protections for anyone who calls for emergency assistance in the event of a drug overdose.