Northeast Kentucky Regional Health Information Organization Receives $1 million grant
MOREHEAD, Kentucky (August 11, 2020) — U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced on August 3 several Kentucky addiction treatment programs in high-risk rural communities received $6 million in competitive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Northeast Kentucky Regional Health Information Organization (West Liberty) was a recipient of $1 million. The HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program was established to reduce the morbidity and mortality of substance abuse by enhancing rural residents’ ability to access treatment. “In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Kentucky remains focused on treating those suffering from substance abuse. I was proud to help these programs receive vital federal funding to serve rural communities around our Commonwealth,” said Senator McConnell in a press release. NeKY RHIO is partnering with Estill Medical Clinic, Appalachian Kentucky Health Care, Access Network (AKHCAN) and Community Family Clinic. The partners will focus their efforts in the following KY counties: Bath, Estill, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan and Powell. The Kentucky Opioid Community Health Project (KOCH Project, pronounced “Coach”) includes the development of educational and prevention programming and the enhancement of long-term recovery systems. Substance Use Disorder/Opioid Use Disorder treatment will be expanded to incorporate rural healthcare providers, law enforcement, first-responders and other community networks. The grant period is from September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2023. “NeKY RHIO is excited to unite these partners as we strive to improve the quality of life and enhance community resources for those suffering from substance abuse,” said Executive Director Scott Lilley. “We also want to thank Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel (R-KY) for valuing and supporting our efforts.”
About NeKY RHIO
The mission of NeKY RHIO is to assist healthcare providers and patients with the use of technology and connectivity to improve the health of our communities. Our vision is to improve the health and safety of Kentucky residents by enhancing the ability of the health care delivery system to capture and share health information, by using health information technology to improve efficiency, by protecting patient privacy, by supporting clinical and public health research, and by educating the public and health professionals about health information technology.