Kentucky Association of Independent Recovery Organizations (KAIROS) Brings Together Treatment Leaders to Ensure Quality Care for Individuals with Substance Use Disorder
A new state-based advocacy organization, the Kentucky Association of Independent Recovery Organizations (KAIROS), is bringing together leaders in the addiction treatment field to advocate for evidence-based practices and policies that advance the field of recovery and lead to better outcomes for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).
“In recent years, overdose fatalities in Kentucky have climbed to record high levels,” said Ashley Adkins, Vice President of KAIROS and General Counsel and Vice President of Outreach and Development for Edgewater Recovery in Morehead. “We have made great strides in expanding access to treatment. Now, we need to ensure clients are receiving the comprehensive, evidence-based care they need for long-term success.”
KAIROS will initially focus its policy priorities on the following areas:
Establishing quality standards for substance use disorder treatment providers and recovery organizations that promote the social determinants of health.
Ensuring equal access to all evidence-based pathways to recovery.
Adopting medical innovations that allow for more effective, quality care to be provide to individuals with substance use disorder.
This session, KAIROS is supporting House Bill 248, sponsored by Rep. Samara Heavrin, which would establish much needed quality standards for recovery housing in Kentucky.
“Kentucky has been one of the states hit hardest by the addiction crisis but has also become a national leader in delivering person-centered, innovative, effective SUD care,” added KAIROS President John Wilson, who also serves as Kentucky Market President of Addiction Recovery Care. “We are proud to advocate for quality standards that support the health and well-being of the individuals we all serve.”
“Substance use is not only a public health issue, but an economic one, as well,” added Deron Bibb, KAIROS Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for Stepworks. “By advocating for policies that ensure access to quality SUD treatment, we can improve outcomes for Kentuckians in recovery, help them reenter the workforce and make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
KAIROS founding members include: Addiction Recovery Care, Edgewater Recovery, Stepworks, Beacons of Hope, Gravity Diagnostics, New Journey Recovery House, Optimal Living Services, Pear Therapeutics, Primary Care Centers of Eastern Kentucky and Thoroughbred Diagnostics.
For more information on KAIROS, visit kentuckyrecovery.org.
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